Division or Multiplication?
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
In elementary school, most curriculums are set up to teach multiplication before division. You start by memorizing multiplication tables and then you learn the algorithm for multiplying larger numbers. While division uses a reverse but similar algorithmic approach, it is a little harder for most students to initially grasp. However, it is not long until the student understands that if you want to build something up, you multiply and if you want to tear something down or reduce, you divide. Have you ever thought about which one you use the most, or for that matter, which one you should focus on using the most?
When it comes to people, it is generally understood that there is power in numbers. The more people involved, the more things can be accomplished. However, this principle doesn’t always work, especially if the group is divided in their vision and purpose. In Matthew 12 verse 25 Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” This was said in response to the spiritual leaders of the country (called Pharisees) criticizing Jesus for performing a miracle on the Sabbath (day of rest). They were intimidated by his ability to impact people and change lives. Instead of supporting the ministry of Jesus, they chose to cause division and make false accusations. Unfortunately, this spirit of division exists today just as much, if not more, than it did two thousand years ago. In fact, the book of Jude in the Bible predicted how some people will behave years and years later. Jude 1:17-21 says, “But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.”
Although some do not like to admit, we can control how we interact with people. One of my coined phrases is, “Differences do not have to result in division”. I always enjoy watching people in team building exercises. Facilitators will often arrange the teams to ensure a diverse group with different personalities, backgrounds, and job functions. As the team starts to work on the project, you can see the differences in each team members’ approach. If the team wants to complete the task successfully, they figure out a way to start working together with a common plan of action. The faster they get on the same page, the more they accomplish together. Team building exercises are a lot easier to navigate than some of the obstacles in life. However, the principle of multiplication or building up is the same. Each of us would benefit from focusing on multiplying and building up people. It will certainly get us to the desired result faster and will strengthen relationships that weather the storms and challenges of the future. Maybe there is a reason why we learn multiplication first.
Challenge: You will not always be able to control what other people say or do. However, you maintain the ability to control your own actions and responses. Focusing more on building up (multiplication) instead of tearing down (division) will allow you to be a catalyst for positive change.
Remember, “Differences do not have to result in division.”
Published: July 1, 2020
