Two Heads Are Better Than One!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 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. Again, if two lie together, they are warm; but how can one be warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. (RSV)

The old saying is that two heads are better than one. And, unlike many proverbs and sayings, this one is actually confirmed by the scriptures. We discussed these verses in my Sunday School class recently, and I came across them again as I searched out an inspiring scripture to write about. I have struggled lately in finding the inspiration needed to write a devotional, so to find something to write about was quite a joy for me today.

I have written in the past about how we live in the me generation, in which everybody is out to take care of themselves. Self-preservation and promotion has become extremely important in our culture as everything we see and hear encourages us to forget about the other guy and make it on our own. After all, if one makes it to the top by oneself one doesn't have to share the rewards with anyone else.

But how contradictory this is to the word of God. I am proud to say that I work for a company where all the individuals are appreciated, but their success is measured by their contribution to the team. The word "team" is even part of the company's name, showing where the emphasis is really placed. Sure, if the owners of the company so desired, they could place more emphasis on themselves or on individuals, and this might even lead to more money in their pockets in the short run. But they have realized what God has told us in His word that the reward for the toil of two (or more) is far greater than the reward for the toil of an individual.

I am also proud to say that I am a married man who treasures his wife and family dearly. I cannot even begin to imagine where I might be today without them. Although sometimes I complain about the expense of having a family, I know and am reminded every day that it is far better to have someone to keep me warm at night and to help pick me up when I fall, than to struggle through this world alone and have a few extra dollars in my pocket.

As Christians, we always need to remember that two are indeed better than one. And if you have a special someone who helps keep you warm or picks you up when you fall, let them know just how much you appreciate them. We need to overcome the self-centred style of living that surrounds us, and become a part of the we generation.

Prayer: Our Father and Lord, we thank You that we do not have to face this world alone. We thank You for placing people in our lives who have helped us along and have helped us gain greater rewards. Help us to always realize and appreciate these people and to make it known to them. Amen.

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