Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

HI-O SILVER

I grew up watching that Western Hero, The Lone Ranger. But it was always curious to me – he wasn’t alone. He had Tonto, his Native American sidekick. Even the Lone Ranger wasn’t a lone ranger.

These verses in Ecclesiastes are so important for believers. We NEED each other. We need the Church. We need fellow believers to go through this journey together. I am often puzzled when I see unbelievers trying to “do life” without help. I can’t imagine going through life’s challenges without a network of friends and loved ones.

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children must learn the importance of community. Most kids grow up with friends, but when they finish school, the friendships drift apart. They go to different colleges or move away for a job. Phone calls and texts suffice for a while, but gradually they get less frequent until they finally stop. Making new friends in a new town can be hard. Before you know it they don’t have that group of friends to call on when needed.

Help your kids develop those lifelong friends. They need them. Help them stay in touch with those godly classmates, if possible. Pray for God to surround them with a “family” when they move away. Pray they will reach out for like-minded individuals.

Life is hard, but it is impossible without others in your life whom you can call when you are in need. And believe me, you will be in need at some point. Let the Lord show you who to link arms with as you travel this earthly journey with Christ. He will guide you to those He wants you to get to know.