“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.“ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV)
Not too long ago I met with a church member in my office one evening for counseling…though there really wasn’t much counsel given. It was more like two friends talking. My friend was going through a very difficult time…very difficult. Imagine the worst thing you could go through and multiply it by 10!
Anyway, he was doing everything right. He’d been mad at God, but he and the Lord discussed it. He’d taken steps to correct his attitude where it needed correcting. He’d set the appointment with me to talk about a few other things. On my side of things, it was easy. I don’t always have appointments that go this well…the difference?
Relationships. My friend told me about a man in the church he’d recently had breakfast with and the advice he’d been given…and how that advice had helped. My friend told me about his church life group and the encouragement they had been when he was at his lowest. My friend described exactly what Solomon described in Ecclesiastes 4. Life is better – and easier – when we’re connected to others.
With others, there’s a better return on work investment. There are people to help us when we fall. There is encouragement and comfort when we’re down. There are others to help protect what’s important when we’re most vulnerable.
I’ll be talking about this in my message on Sunday “I Will Grow with Others.” Your connection to other Christians doesn’t only benefit you and your spiritual growth, it benefits our church. No more could’ve, should’ve, would’ve…I will! I will grow with others!
