Female golden orb

"Collective Effort"

I have a definite fear of spiders.  It's not a panic-type fear, but I'd rather
not have one sharing my space.  I don't think I'm unique in this; spiders seem
to be on the list for most people's dislikes.  There's just something about the
way they look ...

Maybe this common uneasiness with arachnids is at the root of a fascinating
exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England.  A story from
January 26, 2012 on CNN.com tells about a stunning golden cape on display there
that is made entirely from the silk of the golden orb weaver spider.
(http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/25/world/europe/spider-silk-cape-on-
display/index.html)

To be exact, the cape was made from the silk of 1.2 million female golden orb
spiders.  The project took seven years to complete, and had to be carried out on
the island of Madagascar, the spider's natural domain.  Nicolas Godley, who had
previously manufactured handbags, converted his factory into a "spidery", where
the creatures were "milked" and their silks woven into fabric.  The only hint at
the cost of such an item was Godley's statement that it was "hugely expensive".

This is not likely to become a fashion trend, due to the cost of production.
Also to be considered is that the fabric shrinks if washed.  You may have to
plan a trip to London if you want to personally view a garment made from the
silk of spiders.

You couldn't call the spiders that participated in this project willing
participants, but it was certainly a collective effort.  Without the spiders, no
silk would have been available.  Without human workers to collect the silk, no
fabric could have been woven.  Working together, a remarkable cape came to be.

God put into motion a long time ago another collective effort that yields
stunning - and practical -  results; it's called the church.  "Church", as you
may know, is from the Greek word ecclesia, a word that means "those who have
been called out".  In our case, God has issued the call; it is a call that
extends to everyone, regardless of nationality, race or any other background
(see Acts 10:34,35).

But why has God called us?  Peter gave the answer to that question: "But you are
a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,
that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His
marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).  Those who respond to God's call will proclaim
God's praises as they live according to His plan.

Paul agreed with this idea in Ephesians 3:10: "To the intent that now the
manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities
and powers in the heavenly places."  When God's people from multiple backgrounds
weave together the works God has given for them to do, the world is made a
better place.  More than a garment on display in a museum, the fruits of
Christian service grace the lives of people all around, whether they follow God
or not.

Jesus challenged us all with these words: "Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven" (Matthew
5:16).  "Your" in the Greek is plural.  When each of us, collectively, give our
best efforts for the Lord's sake, beautiful things will happen.  More than a
golden cape, God will be exalted as our works adorn Him in the eyes of the world
(Titus 2:10).

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him in spirit
and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these
ideas further.

Timothy D. Hall.