Don’t Go It Alone

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.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

In a world with approximately 7.8 billion people, it can be easy to say we are not alone. But how many of us live in community with real connections to others?

Some of us are led to believe we are surrounded by friends because of how many “followers,” “likes,” or “friend requests” we have on social media. Even our interactions with coworkers and neighbors might remain superficial. If we are not cognizant of our behaviors, our relationships at church can have the same tone. A lot of us might show up for the sermon, sliding in at the last minute and skipping out before the closing prayer. Others might visit many churches, never committing to grow and invest in one congregation—or limiting involvement to being a spectator. But when a need comes up, or when we start to drift spiritually, we have few people around to offer support or accountability. We’ve put ourselves in a situation where we’re on our own.

What comes to mind when you think about living in a safe, biblical community? For some of us, our hearts just skipped a beat and anxiety is creeping in at the thought of letting down our guard and trusting others. But God’s desire for us is to invest in each other’s lives. God intended for us to live in community—connected to people who look out for one another. Being connected allows us to let our guard down, develop trust, and be known. Even though our world sends the message to “do you,” God’s Word tells us we function better in a tribe. There is safety in numbers.

We weren’t created to be independent, autonomous, or self-sufficient. We were made to live in a humble, worshipful, and loving dependency upon God and in a loving and humble interdependency with others.

Paul Tripp

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

Helen Keller

It takes two flints to make a fire.

Louisa May Alcott

For Further Reflection

Genesis 2:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 12:25–27

Today’s Prayer

Father, you created me for connection. I pray you open my eyes to opportunities for real relationships—community where I can give and receive. Amen.