As Christians, We Need Community--Don't Navigate Life Alone! (Ecc. 4:7-12)

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Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Application

I remember when I was heading to South Korea for what I thought would be an experience of teaching and living in my own apartment for one year. Once I arrived and moved into my apartment, I was really excited. It was the first time I had ever lived by myself. The funny thing is that the school that I was going to work for hadn't been finished being built yet! I was in limbo for two weeks and living next door to an American guy who would be my coworker. However, after one week I was alone because I didn't have my family there and I didn't have a church yet. I was living in the city of Ulsan in 2003, where few people spoke English. I found out that my friend was raised a Christian, although he seemed like a nominal one at the time. I told him that if we don't find a church soon, then I am going to go crazy just because I feel so alone without any friends or a community. Thankfully, he went to a Korean church and found someone that spoke English and she told us there was an English service in the city! We started going to that church and the loneliness was gone!

Some people think they are street-smart and have the survival skills to endure the wilderness, go camping, and handle all of the wildlife. However, separating ourselves from the community is a sure way to fail. The wise author of Ecclesiastes (Solomon) said, "Two are better than one, because...one can help the other up" (4:9-10). Even with all of the messiness of sinners in the community, a Christ-honoring community is essential to thrive in life. We don't stand a chance against the trials and tribulations in this world if we try to tackle all of our problems on our own. Solomon said that someone who toils alone toils in vain (verse 8). Without community, we're more susceptible to danger (verses 11-12). The gift of a loving, Christ-focused community is one that not only provides encouragement but also gives us strength to thrive despite challenging situations. We need each other!

Reflect 

How can you commit to spending time with the family of believers? Who around you is isolated and in need? 

Pray

Father, thank you for the gift of community. We know that are are made to edify and encourage each other and not navigate this life alone.  Put it on my heart and let me know if there's someone that needs care right now. Maybe it's a phone call, a text, or asking if they need to get together for dinner. Please put this person in my heart. In your name, I pray, Amen.

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)

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