Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.”
Listening years ago to Dr. John C. Maxwell I heard him say, “One is too small of a number to produce greatness.” Not desiring to stir up an internal argument there are some examples of ONE person making a huge difference. However, more often than not, we will find beside and behind and around those who produce greatness many named and unnamed people. A favorite quote of mine is “If you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, it didn’t get there by itself.” I think Solomon might agree with that quote and put it in the margin by Ecclesiastes 4:9.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 has been for many couples their marriage verse. It is a good one for a couple, but this verse is not just for a married couple. It speaks of friendship. It speaks of vocations. It speaks of ministry.
Looking at the next verse we find the reason they will be rewarded as “If they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” (Eccl. 4:10)
Maybe reading that verse you recall a time (or two) of being alone and falling and the agony of trying to get back up. I, unfortunately, have several of those memories. Each of the physical falls reminded me of how important it was to be with others on my spiritual journey.
Do you have someone you are running your spiritual race with? I often refer back to 2 Timothy 2:22 as it gives essential actions for having a successful Christian walk. It says, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Three actions are presented here: We are to be RUNNING AWAY from sinful actions – flee youthful lust. We are to be RUNNING AFTER spiritual actions – “pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace.” We are to be RUNNING WITH other serious-minded saints – “with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Who are you running with? I hope you have someone for encouragement as well as accountability. I hope you have someone who prods – yes, pushes you to excel for the Lord. I hope you have someone to pick you up when you fall because you will.
AN APRIL TO BELIEVE Note
With Easter on April 20, we are reading through the gospel of John. On this April 9th, we encourage you to read/listen to John 9 where Christ is the Light of the World in physical darkness. The key verses regarding believing are John 9:35, 38. When Jesus heard that they had cast the former blind man out of the synagogue, He went and found him and said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”….. Then he said, “Lord, I believe! And he worshiped Him.” May April be an April to Believe!
Continue Strong,
And remember to DATE The Word