WE NEED OTHERS
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
I don't like needing others.
Yes—I'm publicly confessing that, to this day, I wrestle with pride. As a pastor, I love being there for others. It's not just my job; it's my calling. And I don't even mind sharing my life with others. But when I cross that threshold into needing someone else…I confess that I still struggle with it.
The last time we moved, I didn't ask any of my friends for help (let's be honest; most people aren't ecstatic at being asked anyway). So, I just rented the truck, used a dolly, and did it all by myself. It was hard, labor-intensive, time-consuming work, but I just didn't want to need anyone else.
Like the song says, everybody needs somebody sometimes. The writer of Ecclesiastes, who we believe to be Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived), takes it a step further. He points out that when we fall alone, we’re in big trouble. But if we fall while together, the other can reach out and help. All of us are going to fall at some point. When that moment comes, we must be willing to accept the love and help of those around us. Don't be stubborn like me—embrace the community God has given you!
Your community will look different at different stages of life. When you're younger, unmarried, and perhaps relocating for the first time, it can be a lonely journey. You'll need to be that much more intentional in finding a community of like-minded believers to share the journey with. If you're married, you may have couples that you're close with as you move through the various stages of life. Wherever or whenever you find yourself, be willing to embrace your need for others.
APPLICATION: Is pride robbing you of the fullness of Christian community? Pride is a subtle but destructive force in our lives. Ask God to show you where you might be missing the mark.
PRAYER: Father, take my pride away. Help me embrace the community You've placed around me. Help me be there for others. Give me a greater awareness of how I can make an impact for You. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?