Stronger Together
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, please help us to resist the influence of a culture that places such a high value on independence. Your word tells us we are better and stronger together. Help us to believe that support from other people is a strength, not a weakness.
Read Ruth 1 and 2 on your own.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“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.”
REFLECT:
I grew up playing various sports, but as time went on I gravitated towards those that were more individual in nature. I really only wanted to rely on myself and not need to depend on anyone else to achieve success. Golf became my focus, and as individual sports go, there are none where you’re more alone than on the vast and diverse tract of land that is a golf course. As much as I enjoyed playing and competing as an individual for many years, my greatest pleasure playing the game has been the last decade or so where the golf I play relies on a partner, my dad.
We have competed together as partners with tremendous success. Even though, all things being equal, I am a better player at this point, it’s how we complement each other on the golf course that makes us so formidable. We are better together. That is fulfilling because the time we share together is so much fun. It is also fulfilling because we are following a truth given to us by God.
Solomon, the wisest man ever, speaks many truths through Ecclesiastes. One truth addressed in the scripture above points out the value of supporting one another. Whether in good times or bad, when we have support or provide support to others, we are all better off. Our world may try to sell us on the idea that independence is one of the great virtues, but God is clear that navigating this broken world with partnerships is the best way to go. Trust his word and do life with others.
APPLY:
Life is better when we don’t have to do it alone. There is no perfect way to partner up to take on life’s challenges, but being in a Home Team can check a lot of boxes. If you are not currently in a Home Team, please consider being a part of one.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for loving us and being an example for us to follow. You showed us how to love others, and you showed your love for us by dying the death we deserved in order that we may live. Thank you and we love you.
CONTINUED READING:
: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
WORSHIP: