HomeWord - Dec. 12, 2006
Power in Company
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
“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
The show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” drew in viewers as contestants answered multiple-choice questions in the hopes of becoming instant millionaires. Each contestant got three “lifelines” that were available when stumped. They could choose the 50/50 option where two of the four possible answers would be taken away. They could call a friend or expert, who would be waiting at home to help with the answer. The last option was to poll the audience. While the experts did OK with an average of about 65% accuracy, the odds were in favor of the crowd. The crowd was right 91% of the time.
The Bible talks about being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Walking through this life can be difficult, especially when done alone. Humans were not made for isolation. There are trials around every corner, but there is great strength in numbers. Look at the Apostle Paul’s life as recorded in the Bible. He was an incredible evangelist and traveled from town to town and country to country spreading the message of the saving grace of Christ. But even as he walked amongst nonbelievers healing and preaching, he always found fellowship with believers to encourage and be encouraged.
Don’t be mistaken, Jesus is the ultimate strength for Christians. You must first pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ. But remember, God did not design us to walk through this life alone. There is a reason that we are encouraged to meet in community. As you praise the Lord in community, you not only honor God but strengthen your walk. The passage from the book of Ecclesiastes says, “a cord with three strands is not easily broken.” This is a verse often used at weddings to tell of the importance of keeping Christ at the center of your life in a marriage. But, this is also key in your friendships. Think of these cords as Christ, you, and other believers. Sometimes, having others around you is the lifeline you need in tough times. There is incredible power when Christians work together in this life.
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GOING DEEPER:
1. Who do you have in your life who helps strengthen your journey in following Christ?
2. Think about a time in your life when you tried to do everything on your own. Think about a time now when you opened up and allowed others to help and pray for you? How did you see God work in each of those instances?
FURTHER READING:
Genesis 2:21-24; Acts 4:32-37; Hebrews 12:1-4
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