Simbiosis

I learned a new word while on vacation in the remote forests of Vancouver Island, British Columbia: "Symbiosis." The naturalist leading our group of hikers through an old-growth forest pointed out mosses and lichen that grew around and on the trees--some of which were 1000 years old.

He explained symbiosis (simplified for us non-science people) as two different biological species relying on each other to survive. The Greek term comes from two words meaning "living" and "together." Originally, the term was used to depict people living together in community. The scientists apply it to living things in nature that are mutually beneficial.




A good example is the clown fish (think Nemo)

He feeds on small invertebrates that are harmful to the sea anemone. In turn, the waste matter from the clownfish provides nutrients to the sea anemone. The anemone also protects the clownfish from predators by it's stinging cells, to which the clownfish is immune. And...there's more! The clownfish emits a high pitched sound that deters butterfly fish, which would like to eat the anemone. They are real buddies, these two.

I'd like to skip back to the original definition of depicting people living together in community. Add the scientific use of the term where one organism helps out another and you have a powerful concept.

Isn't that what we all are called to do? Live together while helping out one another? What a beautiful image.The implications are amazing. Ponder them as you read these verses from the New Testament:

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6: 2)

"Live in harmony with one another." (Romans 12: 16)

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3: 8-9)