Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help Him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help. If two lie down together, they will be warm, but a person alone will not be warm. An enemy might defeat one person, but two people together can defend themselves; a rope that is woven of three strings is hard to break. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Ponder It.
What has been your favorite “downhill” story?
What has been your favorite experience working, serving, or creating alongside others?
Would you prefer to do things on your own or with others? Why?
Receive It.
What is bobsledding? Is it just a glorified sledding event for people who wanted to find a way to continue doing some fun activity from childhood but needed for it to look more athletic? I’ve never bobsledded. But I’ve sledded…a lot…and although I’ve had many hair-raising, exhilarating sledding experiences, I doubt even the best of them compare to bobsledding. Especially bobsledding with others. When sledding with others, I didn’t need to do much coordination. Just place the sled precariously close to the top of the hill, decide who would sit behind whom to distribute the weight for speed and aerodynamics, wrap our legs around each other for safety, and have the last person give a big shove, jump on, and hold on. Wheeee!
Experiencing the thrill alongside others is exciting but can be challenging. People have opinions, and they don’t always match our own. People have different strengths and skills but don’t always want to accept and work in them. People want the most glorified position and responsibility. Or the most workload-light and comfortable role. A lot of effort goes into living an adventurous life of faith with others—like a group bobsled run. We want the thrill of the ride, but we want it to be just that—a ride. We want to enjoy our time with others, but when it stretches and challenges us, we want to ditch. After all, isn’t the Christian community supposed to be “different,” full of love and mercy? Yes, it is, but love and mercy doesn’t come easily. We have to work with each other, sacrifice, yield, submit, speak up, be bold, show courage, and live with all the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We might prefer a simple, fun sled run down the hill of fluffy snow, but God plans to gives us the additional thrill and discipline of a fast-paced bobsled run on an icy track with people tightly crammed in a small space with us. Doing life with others isn’t just inconvenient; it’s adventurous. Join the ride.
Live It.
Go for a walk with someone today. Or sing with someone. Read together. Do something alongside someone. Focus on cooperating, not competing. Make it about excellent teamwork, not excellent personal performance and recognition.
Today’s post is part of a 30-day devotional of Adventures in Faith. A new post will be available each morning to launch your day with reflection questions, God’s Word, and a personal challenge.