"The 'Fish and Chips' Principle"

“The ‘Fish and Chips’ Principle”

This past summer Karen and I were privileged to spend eighteen days exploring historical and noteworthy sites in Great Britain. We visited (among other places) Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace), Edinburgh, the beautiful landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Liverpool, Bristol, Bath and Stonehenge before settling in for a week in London. There we saw the old favorites like Big Ben (covered in scaffolding with only the clock face exposed), Tower of London, Churchill’s War Rooms (a must see if you ever travel across the Pond), Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace as well as the London Eye, a gigantic Ferris Wheel on the bank of the River Thames, and other iconic places. Several months would be required to see all our “mother country” has to offer so we barely scratched the surface.

We stopped for lunch one day at a British version of a fast-food restaurant. While we were there I saw a sign prominently proclaiming, “The Portuguese gave us fried fish, the Belgians invented chips, but 150 years ago Great Britain united them to create The World’s Greatest Double Act; fish and chips.” (Guess what we were eating at the time.) It made me think of some other great food combos: pie and ice cream, hot dogs and sauerkraut, peanut butter and jelly to cite a few. (Notice liver and onions isn’t on the list!) Each stands well on its own but blending them adds to their appeal.

As God’s people we have individual interests, talents and gifts which He uses in His work. But not one of us can do everything—we join with others to carry out His purposes. Paul pointed this out to a church troubled by factions and pride in personal abilities: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6. emphasis added). We might call this the “Fish and Chips Principle”. As the British brought two parts together to produce an enjoyable meal so God brings His people together to build a winning team. And it works in any time period or culture in any ministry in any part of the world because it comes from Him and His truth is timeless (“Your word. O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”—Psalm 119:89).

So let’s enjoy our mix and match cuisine and as we do think of how God has mixed and matched us to honor and serve Him wherever He puts us.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan