September 1 | Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Pam Mann
5 days ago
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE

By Pam Mann

Two are better than one. You can probably share multiple stories from your own personal experience to illustrate the truth of that statement. You can probably recall multiple

weddings where these verses from Ecclesiastes were read. After all, marriage is meant to be a relationship of mutual support and nurture. Maybe you’ve heard more than one wedding preacher assert that the third strand in the “cord of three strands not quickly broken” is Christ at the center of a Christian marriage.

Likely, however, the original intent of the Ecclesiastes twosome discussion was less about marriage and more about any companion in life’s journey. “Vanity, vanity, all is vanity,” we read in Ecclesiastes again and again. The Ecclesiastes Preacher carefully paints one grim picture after another of despairing worldviews. To navigate all that negativity, we’d probably all agree that it would be good to have a friend, someone with shared goals and kindred purpose.

Don’t we repeatedly see the two-are-better-than-one phenomenon occurring? It happens at any age, from toddlers together slobbering on each other’s toys to the elderly friends playing their regular game of chess. Picture the two introverted preteens curled up at opposite ends of a couch, each so engrossed in a book, that neither notices the passage

of time. Remember the kid who was always eager to ride bikes with you? Or, what about the high schoolers who sat in the same classes all day long and then still had more to phone or text about in the evening? There are sports buddies, pairs of friends who regularly meet over coffee, and folks who meet up around shared hobbies. Over time, these close friendships become as comfortable as slippers. Then, whether you get devastating news or a huge, happy surprise, you know whom to call. In such friendships, you know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, sorrows and joys, fears and hopes, quirks and amazing gifts.

In the church, small group gatherings are a growing medium for such personal connections. You are not alone. You are seen and loved while also having the opportunity to see and love those who care for you. What good news in a world constantly informing you without truly knowing you!

Pay attention to the Ecclesiastes warning that all is vanity. If you don’t want to be stranded without a friend amidst a world of vain pursuits, be intentional about reaching out. Choose to connect. The alternative is waking up one day relationally alone and spiritually adrift. That’s a grim place to be.

There is, however, risk involved in reaching out: possible rejection, not finding like-minded folks, having to deal with the foibles of others, having others discover your foibles, and the list goes on. It is a bummer that the only people who come to church are sinners. So, every small group you try to join is going to be a bunch of sinners. Oh, wait. We all have a Savior! In Him, there’s hope. In the cord of three strands not quickly broken, He is the first strand. By His grace, we find a companion. He can teach us how friendship works. Together we can learn to swim in His kindness as we reach out to each other.

Two are better than one.

PRAYER

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the companions You have given us along life's journey. Keep us connecting and reaching out until no one is alone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.