October 24, 2015
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
I have a good friend, Bob Bakke, who is a pastor but also a brilliant historian. He is arguably one of the greatest authorities on the Second Great Awakening alive. Bob often repeats this fascinating statement: ""History is made among friends.""
God has designed us to operate with others. In fact, His own existence in three persons (Father, Son, and Spirit) illustrates this. He made Adam for Eve and vice versa. All through the Bible we see strong friendships, in marriage, life, and ministry: Moses and Joshua, Joshua and Caleb, David and Jonathan, Peter, James, and John, Paul and Barnabas...and on and on.
We're better together.
A man who operates alone is limited by his own thinking and meager strength. But two friends, have a doubled capacity to see and understand and act.
And notice Solomon's final statement: ""A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.""
For the believer, our friendships are exponentially strengthened because there is another unseen Friend. When Christ is in the center of our friendships it leads to powerful conversation, greater wisdom, more effective prayers, and God-initiated activity.
Value your friends. Work hard to enhance those relationships that God gives you. At the close of your life you will discover that your true friends were one of the greatest gifts of your days on this earth. Who knows? God may use your friendship to change the world!
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