THREE IS NOT A CROWD

As a child, my siblings and I grew-up singing a well-known song when we were told to pick-up our toys or clean the house.  It may be familiar to you also.  The lyrics went something like this, “When we all work together, together, together.  When we all work together how happy we’ll be.  ‘Cause your work is my work and my work is your work.  If we all work together how happy we’ll be!”

The church is being built together as the house of God.  As living stones, we are being fit and securely placed next to each other.  Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.”   The Scripture is saying that living in community is to our advantage.  Let’s look at three examples given in the verses that follow to show the benefits of sharing and community.

The first advantage seems a bit obvious - two get more work done than one!  They end up with a greater reward and compensation for their work.   Ultimately, we need to put off the loner attitude of “I’ll just do it myself”.  Let’s work side by side as they did in Nehemiah’s day to build. 

The second advantage states that  – if one falls the other one will lift him up.  In other words, if one falls and they have a friend they are assured assistance and the escaping of the pit into which they fell.  God has given us each other!  If you are in a pit of some sort, pick up the phone and call a friend. 

Thirdly, the Scripture says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.”  The one who walks alone can easily be overcome and overwhelmed.  However, two can ward off such attack and “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  Strength increases with numbers.  So, whatever task you find yourself facing today, remember - Two are GREAT! And THREE is not a crowd!