“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
A fascinating thing happened at the World Championship Mule Team Competition in 1885. Two mules were yoked together and competed against two other mules to see which pair could pull the most weight. On this day, the winners pulled 9,000 pounds. The second-place team pulled slightly less. Curious what the four mules might pull together, they became one team. Working as one, they pulled 30,000 pounds!
This story highlights the strength found in community. The Bible speaks of gaining strength through community in several places, and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is one:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
As we find our faith constantly challenged by the world, the flesh and the devil, we need the strength that comes from being in community with other believers. As we stand together in one Spirit, with one mind striving for the spread of the Gospel, there is no need to be alarmed by those who oppose us. Yoked to other believers, we can stand strong against whatever comes our way.
Where can you connect to a community of believers?
— Karen Zando, NWSL’s Orlando Pride chaplain
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