Teamwork Is God's Work

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 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. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

I have heard it said that there are no “Lone Ranger” Christians. The reference is to the old TV show, “The Lone Ranger”. Interesting concept. The thinking is that we need one another in life’s journey. We need someone to help us along and I agree with that. But as I think about it, even the Lone Ranger was not alone. Aside from his horse named Silver, he had a faithful companion named Tonto. In many a skirmish, Tonto was there to encourage, assist, and fight side by side against any foe they encountered. We all need friends like Tonto. We all need someone Our scripture says, “…woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” I think the author is trying to say we will suffer trials and trouble when we have no one to help us. When we fall down in life’s many struggles, our pain can be so great that we get tired of getting up and just give up. I have been there. It is a painful place. We begin to think about whether the battles are worth fighting. We can sometimes wonder if the day before us is worth the getting out of bed.
Thank God that He does not let us remain fallen. He looked at the hopelessness of man’s isolation in the Garden and deemed that it was not good for man to be alone. He continued to look after the first couple’s sinful choice separated them from His presence and had a plan in place for their restoration. The fallen nature of man loves to be isolated. And sometimes after we are born again, we mistrust being around others. When you spend much of your life in spiritual isolation, being around other believers can be pretty scary. But God glorifies Himself in creating community. He will send us to others after He brings us to Himself. That’s His way. He wants us to be on His team.

I. IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE TO BE A TEAM. We were created for community, not isolation. A team can be “one” but “one” cannot be a team.
II. OUR TEAMMATES CAN BE OUR BEST ENCOURAGERS. There are advantages of partnership. Assistance when needed is a plus. Accountability in temptation is crucial.
III. A TEAM OF ONE IS A LOSING TEAM. We need “one another”. That’s why these two words are so often used in the Bible.
Unity is found at the end of community. We will not find unity apart from God and God’s people. We will not find victory in isolation.
Are you engaged with a community of believers? Our purpose is found being a part of God’s body. Someone may be waiting for you to help them get up.