God’s great desire is that we, as His followers, work
together to advance His Kingdom. However we can often want to do things
individually because that means we can do it ‘the way I want’ rather than in
team. By ourselves God will certainly use us but imagine what He will be able
to do if we truly band together and commit to reaching our cities and nations
of the world together? Surely we can do significantly more for God together than
apart. Solomon knew this and we can learn great truths from what He wrote in
Ecclesiastes 4.
Greater Productivity
Two are better than
one, because they have a good return for their labour. Ecc 4:7
We might be able to achieve a significant amount by
ourselves but there is something very special that occurs when we work together
with the same vision. Instead of just double the results there is an
exponential return. Working together helps us to achieve significantly more
than if we were to try and do something for God alone. Even the great apostle
built big teams to help fulfil the mission God had given to the church. Paul
had a multi-racial, multIi-gender team comprised of people like Timothy, Silas,
Luke, Titus, Pricilla and many more. All wanted to fulfil Jesus’ mission of
making disciples of every nation and individually they might have made a slight
dent but together they were able to turn the world upside down! #Betterprouctivitytogether
Greater Protection
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. Ecc 4:10
Years ago I went on a safari. I remember seeing a whole lot
of different animals standing together looking in different directions. Some
were taller animals so could see further, some had a keener sense of smell, and
others had better hearing. All these animals worked together using their different
abilities to warn if there was potential danger from predators. We need other
people around us that have different abilities and gifts to help protect people
from the devil and other dangers that come our way. #Betterprotectiontogether
Greater Passion
Also, if two lie down
together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Ecc 4:11
If left alone I would certainly struggle to keep my passion
and hunger for God burning strong. I am grateful for the people in my life who
have greater passion and hunger for Jesus and His mission than I do. They help
me keep my passion strong and likewise I am able to help boost their passion as
well. If we try to do it alone and isolate ourselves then we can easily become
lukewarm or even cold to the things of God. #Betterpassiontogether
Greater Power
Though one may be able
to be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not
quickly broken. Ecc 4:12
There is great power in unity and walking in the power of
the Holy Spirit Together. One person can be defeated much more easily than
three. What if hundreds and thousands of people band together wholeheartedly to
advance God’s Kingdom? What if people put aside their personal preferences to
see us accomplish something significantly more together? Could we then truly
see what is in Heaven represented on earth? #Betterpowertogether
After this I looked,
and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every
nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the
lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their
hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who
sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9, 10
#Bettertogether
