Reverend J. Loren Russell
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Although I have three siblings, I was born singularly. I was the only occupant of my mother’s womb. When I was old enough to reason, I discovered that I had two brothers, both who had arrived before I did, and a sister who arrived 2 years later. Each of us were occupants of our mother’s womb, but at varying times. Speaking of wombs, on May 8th, I will start a new 365-day cycle around the sun, celebrating my birth from the womb that was my dwelling place for 9 months.
Although we are born and die singularly, we live in a world of mutuality. When we genuinely embrace that fact, life itself becomes more meaningful. Case in point are my siblings. My brothers became my first co-laborers. When we were very young, we often slept in the same bed, providing warmth and the comfort of brotherly love. They soon became my help in times of trouble, most often being the first to come to my rescue. Whenever I encountered opposition or conflict, my brothers were there to help me to withstand the challenge. I recall an incident when I was in 2nd grade where someone who knew my oldest brother stepped in to help me just because he knew my brother. That extension of camaraderie created a threefold cord; me, my brother, and his friend.
The scripture is an encouragement for us to be supportive of one another so that greater success can be achieved. The writer of the text talks about the inherent benefit of collaboration; two are better than one because they labor together for the benefit of both. When two or more people pull together, great things can be accomplished. Matthew 18:20 has an even greater encouragement; “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Let’s work together for the sake of His Kingdom. There are great things that need to be done, people who need to be saved, and a God to be glorified. People working together can create a threefold cord. When working for the glory of God and Jesus is in the midst, all things are possible…, they become an invincible trio!
Be Blessed+++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the executive producer and host of “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel and Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ us. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.
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