Our Neurobiology: Purpose and Interdependence Part II

Researcher-Storyteller-Author Brene Brown says we aren’t designed to “go it alone.”  Although we, especially those who have spent much time in the Western part of the world, like to chase and to profess our independence. In the immortal words of Simon and Garfunkel we embrace the thoughts: “I am a rock. I am an island.” Brown tells us instead: “The problem, however, is that needing no one pushes against everything we know about human neurobiology. We are hardwired for connection. From our mirror neurons to language, we are a social species. In the absence of authentic connection, we suffer.”*

Neuroscientist John Cacioppo says “Our neural, hormonal, and genetic makeup support interdependence over independence….To grow to adulthood as a social species, including humans, is not to become autonomous and solitary, it’s to become the one on whom others can depend. Whether we know it or not, our brain and biology have been shaped to favor this outcome.”*

Not surprisingly, God has been saying this to us for millennia. We’ve already seen examples from Romans 7 and 12 (See previous post.) In Complete Unity and Love, Obedience, and Fruitfulness we read some of Jesus’ words about loving each other and living in “complete unity.”  The letters to the Corinthians continue to provide more fuel for this bonfire of connectedness that the Lord desires:

·       The Lord’s Supper is “participation in the body of Christ…Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”

·        We are to seek the “good of others.”

·        Although Christ makes us free, we are to choose ways of living and behaving that don’t provide a hindrance to others’ faith.

·        We are to have no divisions in our church meetings, gatherings, or worship.

·        We are not to exclude others from participation in the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of Jesus sacrifice and death on everyone’s behalf.

(See 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 24-33; 1 Corinthians 11:17-33)

Reflect:

·       Do you pride yourself in not needing anyone?

·       How can you “become the one on whom others can depend?”

·       What is one way, today, that you can seek the “good of others?”

·       Where can you be an agent of inclusion in your sphere of influence?

See the next post for a continuation of this theme, based on more of 1 Corinthians.

* From Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, by researcher Brené Brown

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.