Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Connecting Point: Three Strands

We all approach life at different speeds and angles, and our philosophy certainly varies. That being said it’s common knowledge that a person can accomplish more in partnership. Yes, relational conflict can impede action plans or goals. However, the fact remains; that there is great strength in numbers.

King Solomon understood this principle well, that’s most likely how he accomplished many tasks during his years, teaming people together to achieve a specific goal. He rightly states, “Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: 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 4:7, 9-12).

Many Biblical scholars have widely discussed this text, specifically, the strands to be representative of the three-fold concept, God, others, and you. Putting God first and then others shapes us in becoming more like Jesus. Solomon shares with us four essentials to keep in mind:

One, efficiency occurs alongside others. Two hands or more can accomplish a ton of work in a short period. This is how God desires for his church to operate, hands down, pun somewhat intended. As believers in Jesus, we are called to a life which encapsulates placing a high value on relationships.

Tackling life alone is a tiring task.

Two, helping hands bond hearts. Over the years I’ve come to appreciate working with other people on specific tasks. We develop a stronger sense of comradery. What is one supposed to do if you fall alone? I have an older friend that fell in his home; his arm was pinned behind his back with an injury.

For a couple of days, he was unable to get up, suffering in pain. Eventually, his kidneys started to fail but thankfully a friend checked in on him, saving his life. It was a long recovery.

Three, everyone needs comfort. We tend to view “…if two lie down together, they will keep warm” in only a sexual context or marriage relationship. This may be true but Solomon’s example is intended to be broader. I’ve read winter survival stories where people huddled together to stay alive. Comfort comes in various forms such as; being a good listener, grieving or mourning with those who are hurting, celebrating others' victories, and providing encouragement through words and actions.

Four, protection and safety are found in company. Early American settlers would travel in covered wagons and soon learned that “circling the wagons” was a form of security. We have a

proclivity as humans to circle those we share a common ideology. People groups operate in this fashion all the time, from the steps of the U.S. Capital to the local diner table.

So, some questions remain; what is the extent of your relationships? Is God a priority by placing him rightfully first? Do you make yourself available to others through accountability and establishing deeper meaningful relationships? I would encourage you to find greater purpose in life by focusing on

these objectives, you will be blessed.

 

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