BETTER TOGETHER
Christine Fornero
Today’s Scripture: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Ecclesiastes 4:9, ESV
Theme: Working together brings success and honors God.
TEAM PLAYER
Working with others has always come easy for me. I love collaborating, encouraging and problem-solving. Considering new possibilities, especially ones suggested by others, and then building on those ideas gets me excited for the potential that lies ahead. Ecclesiastes 4:9 is a splendid example of the promise we have in working together. The Bible says two will “have a good reward” for their work. More is accomplished when we work together as one unit. However, not everyone gets joy in working with others. If you’re more of the “lone wolf” type, consider some of the benefits that can be reaped while working with a team...
YOU WON’T BE AS LONELY
For the independent types, you may not have even felt you were lonely to begin with. But by serving with others, you will notice an awareness of feeling more connected and even more comfortable around others than before. God has designed us to give our talents away and to receive others’ gifts as well. It’s nice to know someone out there needs our specific abilities to help them. We all feel more fulfilled giving ourselves away.
LIFE WON’T BE SO BORING!
Does life sometimes feel a little bland? Join a Bible study, prayer team, or even greeting those that come into church on Sunday - it’s fun! Think about all the faces you encounter with any of these activities and the smiles, handshakes and any other friendly gestures that may make someone else's day. You never know the impact you and your group may have on someone in need.
SOMEONE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU
“For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow,” (Ecclesiastes 4:10, ESV). This is what Christians are to be known for! To extend a hand, to reach out and be ready to help a brother get back on his feet, whatever the circumstance. We all need a helping hand sometimes; we are created for community. Some prefer a smaller community; some have a bigger one. All are beneficial for one another. The tie to others makes us stronger. God promises us in Matthew 18:20 that when two or more are gathered in His name, God is with them. That’s encouraging news- Jesus is within our groups!
Make It Personal: The benefits of working with a team set us up for better results and allow us to glean from others their knowledge and expertise. Learning to let go of our own preconceived ideas of working with a group can help us grow and help others. It gives honor to the Lord by showing those outside the church that we can work in unity and love, giving our gifts for the benefit of others. In what area could you seek to collaborate in Jesus’ name this week?
Pray: Father, thank You for the community of the church. We are grateful that we don’t have to do life alone; in fact we are better and accomplish more when we work together. Thank You for giving us each a part to play in this world, and the talents You give us to help one another. You know what is best for us and what will make this life more fulfilling. As we love one another, we also show others that we love You. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Weekly Memory Verse: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Matthew 16:26, ESV