A Strand of Three Cords Is Not Easily Broken
By Michelle Lazurek
“If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them 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 4:12-15
“I don’t know what to do,” my husband came home and told me one day. He was dealing with an issue within the church. He consulted elders about it, but they were just as clueless as to what to do. As we talked, I quickly used my gift of discernment to discover that the person’s motivations that was causing the issue was not right. Therefore, it was not appropriate for my husband to pursue this person's request. He knew the person would be mad and may cause a disturbance within the church, but the person's motives were selfish and ungodly in nature. Additionally, this person was sneaking behind the leaders’ backs trying to get a new program. This put a strain between my husband and this person.
My husband knows he can come to me at any time there is an issue. As a pastor’s wife for 23 years, I've learned a few things about how to deal with people and how to handle difficult situations, both with integrity and with firmness. My husband took the advice and it helped to protect the church as this person was triangulating other people into pushing forward this program. When it didn't work, that person left and took other people with them.
Although our church suffered a setback in consistent attendance and budget, because of this person's actions, we knew we had done the right thing. Character is reflected best when a person is in conflict. God never honors deceitful behavior. Giving in to that person's request simply not to make them angry or make waves was not going to be helpful in the situation. The above verse emphasizes the power that having more than one person give wise counsel and make decisions helps in every situation, including leadership ones.
A rope made only of one strand is thin. It can take some tugging and some tension, but eventually it will snap. Add two or three more strands and it becomes stronger with each strand. We were never meant to do this life alone. We were called to have brothers and sisters in Christ come alongside of us to help us in when times are tough. When we are faced with a difficult decision, or we don't know what to do, and the Bible is not explicitly clear on how to move forward, it is best to consult those who will be with you in prayer to give you wise counsel and support. While the decision we made with the leaders may have given the church a setback in the short- term, in the long- term it protected the church and kept it safe from other people who would learn of this behavior and try to emulate it.
This is true for anything in our lives. When two or three come together and gather in prayer, there is power there. When the Holy Spirit is present in power, and each person comes together in unity and love, the world changes because of it. When people come together and make decisions on what's best for the church rather than what's best for themselves, God is glorified, the church is protected, and the church continues its mission of making disciples and doing work for the Kingdom.
Father, help us find people who can be a part of the cords that make us stronger and better. When we are around these people, allow them to protect us, so we do not become broken easily. Let us be strengthened by wiser brothers and sisters in Christ that together, make an impact for the Kingdom. Let's make decisions and pray for one another so that you are glorified, and the world is changed because of it. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you tend to do life on your own, or do you rely on friends to help? Who can you go to be a part of your “cord of three strands?”
Further Reading:
James 5:16
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/jakkaje808
Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and a certified writing coach. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.
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