Pride logic

Individually, even the biggest lion is not the king of the jungle. Many creatures could beat it, including some of the great predators, like the tiger or bear.

However, they come into their own as a collective - for, as a team, they are arguably the most potent land predators of them all. They are not the only successful team-based predators though - hunting dogs, wolves, killer whales and even hyena, are very successful as hunting packs.

The lion pride also breaks down team roles into lesser roles, with different females assuming the roles of ambushers, chasers and attackers. Males rarely hunt, but they can sort out standoffs very effectively. Males also preserve the balance of power and social integrity, defend the pride from rivals and enforce discipline in the youngsters. The females also train the young, but every member of the pride shares the role of grooming, licking and general team building.

The greatest survivors of the last ice age, were also team players and social creatures. It all leads me to question how anyone can hope to survive independently. God made us to be co-dependent and to trade our skills. We are never at our best when isolated. We need to work with others. Thus Paul called us the "Commonwealth of God", because it is God's heart for us to pull together.

If one willl put a thousand to flight, two will put tens of thousands to flight - and a threefold cord is not easily broken.