United!

United!

An enemy might be able to defeat one person, but two people can stand back-to-back to defend each other. And three people are even stronger. They are like a rope that has three parts wrapped together—it is very hard to break. Ecclesiastes 4:12 ERV

Whether we are ready or not; whether you want to or not, battles are a part of everyday life. At different times in our lives, we will have to take a stand on issues, and we may have to lose a few things or friends in order to maintain that stand. In that context comes today's extract. There are several sides to the passage under consideration, but I believe that God will make things clearer as we study His Word.

The enemy is always waging war, and it is his desire to steal, kill and destroy. One way he does this well is to isolate us as individuals and make us think we can go it alone. Now, there is a truth to the statement that one with God is a majority, but the same God placed us in a community of believers so we can draw strength and purpose from one another. It was never his idea that anyone walks this life alone, and that is why even the basic family unit isn't possible outside of a union of  at least two people. That is the foundation of unity: where 2 different people from two different backgrounds have to work together to achieve a common goal.

One person may be able to withstand the enemy, but a lot of energy may be expended in making that stand. Two people can stand back to back and fight the common enemy, not each other. That is another common strategy by the enemy: make you think you are better off on your own, or that the other person doesn't have your interests at heart. If I am able to make a common stand with another person of the same mind and heart as I, then we share a common front and the enemy cannot come between us. 

The three piece cord is even stronger. The more people share a common goal, the harder it is for the enemy to penetrate. God had to concede that as long as the builders of Babel had one common goal, nothing would be impossible for them to achieve. If this is God's perspective, imagine the power at our disposal when we live this out in our daily lives. What this makes clear is that I should not first be concerned about numbers, but about common purpose. Numbers are not the raw material God counts in first; it is a heart that is focused on Him, and then seeks the good of other people. 

As I go through life, I recognize the clear importance of unity of purpose and mind. There is power, not just in numbers, but in unity of heart. God moves in mighty ways when men have the same heart, and it is easy for his glory to be made manifest when we work together as one. Am I content being on my own? If yes, what is the motivation? Do I seek out people of like minds as get involved in their lives? God is counting on me to affect and impact my world for Him, and I cannot do that by sitting in my corner, doing nothing yet waiting for a miracle. Get involved; His time of favour is here.