Lesson 1: Cooperation

Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualima

Cooperation is the conscious choice to align with a higher purpose and move together in an orderly, intentional way. It is not merely agreement or teamwork, but a shared inner direction expressed through daily service, disciplined action, and humility. True cooperation requires setting ego aside, honoring individual gifts, and recognizing that no person is the source for another. The group remains unified not through control or personality, but through shared prayer or meditation, mutual respect, and consistent practice. As the readings declare, “Let all dwell together in mind as of one purpose, one aim; or, FIRST learn cooperation!” (262-1).

Cooperation, as described in the readings, goes far beyond being pleasant, polite, or accommodating. It is a deliberate inner alignment—a willingness for individuals to move in the same spiritual direction for something greater than themselves. This requires releasing personal agendas and allowing the mind to be guided by higher purpose rather than preference. “Think not of thine OWN desire, but let that mind be in you as was in Him” (262-1). When individuals surrender self-centered motives, they become clear channels through which collective purpose can act. In such unity, the group’s strength exceeds anything that could be accomplished by individuals working alone.

A central theme repeated throughout the readings is that cooperation must come first. Before teaching, before organizing, before healing or outward action, the group must understand what it means to be of one mind and one aim. “The first LESSON… learn what it means to cooperate in ONE mind, in GOD’S way” (262-1). Without this foundation, even sincere and inspired efforts tend to fragment or lose direction. Cooperation requires patience, watchfulness, and restraint—knowing when to act and when to wait. “Cast not pearls before swine… neither be thou over-anxious for the moment. WAIT ye on the Lord” (262-1; 262-4).

Importantly, cooperation does not mean uniformity. The readings emphasize that diversity of function is essential. Each individual brings a distinct role, shaped by experience, temperament, and calling. “To some are given to be teachers, to some are given to be healers… Let each, then, do THEIR job and their part WELL” (262-1). These roles are not meant to compete or overlap unnecessarily. Unity is created through shared purpose, not sameness of personality, talent, or outward expression.

Two major obstacles to cooperation appear consistently in the readings: ego and unhealthy dependence. Ego emerges when attention turns toward personal recognition, control, or desire instead of service. Dependence becomes distorted when individuals look to other people—rather than to God—as their source of strength, direction, or validation. The readings strike a careful balance: “Not independent — but not dependent upon any member of the group — Be DEPENDENT upon GOD!” (262-2; 262-4). True cooperation honors mutual support while maintaining inward spiritual responsibility.

Cooperation is not an abstract principle; it must be practiced. Agreement alone does not create unity—daily choices do. The readings repeatedly emphasize that growth comes through application: “Practice makes perfect… as one practices, puts in use, in word, in deed, day by day, so does one grow” (262-2). Purpose without action remains incomplete. “BEAUTIFUL is the cooperation of the group in purpose; needs be put in action!” (262-3).

Order is another essential component of cooperation. Disorder, haste, and excess activity weaken clarity and strain harmony. The readings stress that spiritual work flourishes within structure: “Let EVERYTHING be done in decency and in order” (262-2). Order is not rigidity or control—it is the supportive framework that allows harmony, understanding, and effectiveness to grow.

A key discipline within cooperation is learning when to wait. The readings caution against forcing outcomes or rushing ahead of guidance. “Wait ye upon one another… Depend not ONE upon another; rather depend upon Him” (262-5; 262-4). True cooperation trusts that clarity emerges through alignment, not pressure. Waiting is not passivity—it is attentive readiness.

At the heart of cooperation is an inner attitude captured in a simple but profound prayer:

“NOT MY WILL BUT THINE, O LORD, BE DONE IN AND THROUGH ME” (262-3).

When individuals approach group work with the desire to be used as channels for good, cooperation becomes natural rather than strained. This attitude shifts focus from self-importance to service and creates space for higher guidance to operate.

Service is the living proof of cooperation. The readings teach that true greatness is measured not by leadership or visibility, but by willingness to serve. “He that would be the greatest among you, let him be the servant of all” (262-2). When even one person becomes a channel of blessing to another, cooperation is already active. The group’s unity expresses itself through practical kindness, helpfulness, and compassion (262-2; 262-3).

Shared meditation is also emphasized as a stabilizing force for cooperation. “We would set as a specific time for all to meditate… THEIR activity — in ACCORD — keeps harmony” (262-4). When individuals pause together with the same intention, alignment deepens, harmony increases, and understanding grows—even across distance or difference.

Finally, cooperation does not erase individuality. Losing self does not mean losing personality or uniqueness. It means allowing ego to step aside so shared purpose can lead. “Losing self in HIS will… not my personality” (262-3). Cooperation is many individuals moving together with one heart and one aim, each contributing faithfully, while remaining grounded in a source greater than themselves (262-3; 262-4).

SELECTED READINGS ON COOPERATION

“Combine their efforts in a cooperative manner to give…” (262-1)

Spiritual work is not meant to be done alone. Each person brings what they’ve learned so the group can give more than any individual could alone.

“Let all dwell together… of one purpose, one aim.” (262-1)

True cooperation requires unity of intention, not sameness of personality. When purpose aligns, differences stop causing division.

“FIRST learn cooperation!” (262-1)

Before teaching, healing, or leading, cooperation must come first. Without it, nothing lasting can be built.

“Wholehearted cooperation… whether in meditation, in thought, in act.” (262-4)

Cooperation isn’t only outward teamwork—it includes shared prayer, shared intent, and consistent action.

“To some… teachers… to some… healers… to some… interpreters.” (262-1)

Everyone has a different role. Cooperation works when each person honors their own function without competing with others.

“Let each… do THEIR job… WELL.” (262-1)

The group is strongest when individuals focus on faithfulness, not comparison. Excellence in one’s own part serves the whole.

“Think not of thine OWN desire… let that mind be in you as was in Him.” (262-1)

Cooperation requires laying aside personal agendas. The Christ-mind looks first to service, not preference.

“Not independent… but not dependent… Be DEPENDENT upon GOD!” (262-2)

Healthy cooperation avoids control and reliance on personalities. The true center of dependence is God, not people.

“Think none that their dependence must be upon another.” (262-4)

No individual replaces divine guidance. Human cooperation works best when each person listens inwardly for direction.

“Practice makes perfect… day by day.” (262-2)

Cooperation is learned through repetition. Growth happens through daily effort, not sudden perfection.

“Beautiful… in purpose; needs be put in action!” (262-3)

Good intentions alone are incomplete. Cooperation becomes real only when purpose turns into action.

“Let EVERYTHING be done in decency and in order.” (262-2)

Spiritual work needs structure. Order prevents confusion and keeps energy focused.

“Do not have so much… that it is harum-scarum.” (262-2)

Too much activity without clarity creates disorder. Cooperation requires simplicity and focus.

“Be thou over-anxious for the moment… WAIT ye on the Lord.” (262-1)

Impatience disrupts cooperation. Waiting allows guidance to emerge clearly.

“Seek… and ye WILL receive… powers from on high. USE that… constructive.” (262-1)

Spiritual power is promised, but it must be used wisely. Cooperation channels power toward building, not self-display.

“NOT MY WILL BUT THINE… LET ME EVER BE A CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS…” (262-3)

This affirmation defines true cooperation: surrender of will so that blessing can flow through one’s life.

“He that would be the greatest… let him be the servant of all.” (262-2)

Leadership in cooperation is measured by service. The most effective contributor is the most willing servant.

“Make thine self a channel of blessings to SOMEONE.” (262-3)

Cooperation is practical. Each person is meant to bless someone directly through daily life.

“Set as a specific time for all to meditate… keeps harmony.” (262-4)

Shared spiritual rhythm strengthens unity. Common meditation builds harmony even when individuals differ.

“Harmony makes for peace; peace for understanding; understanding for enlightenment.” (262-4)

This shows the progression of growth. Cooperation leads first to peace, then insight, then deeper awareness.

“Losing self in Him… seeking His way.” (262-4)

Self-centeredness blocks cooperation. Unity grows as individuals surrender ego and seek divine direction.

“Not… personality… but a oneness of purpose.” (262-3)

Cooperation does not depend on charisma or dominance. It depends on shared purpose aligned with God’s will.