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"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."
~Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
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In this series, we are exploring relationships and how we can build better relationships with others in our lives. The chapters of this series can be seen on the right menu bar and the current chapter is shown below. Enjoy this series as we strive to develop one of the best gifts God has given us: relationships with others.
I Can Do it Myself
October 2, 2009
"I can do it myself!"
I heard those words from my daughter, Anna, this morning as I was trying to help her get ready. She was adamant that she did not need my help and seemed almost annoyed that I would try to assist her. I thought to myself, Where did she get this strong sense of independence? And, as I pondered that question, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
All day long, I thought about her statement, "I can do it myself!" And, I realized that we oftentimes act just like that. We may not say it as vehemently as she did. But, our actions express that to our friends, to our spouses, and even to God.
But, it is very important to remember that we were not meant to do it ourselves. In fact, in Genesis 2, God clearly states, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (v. 18)
Throughout the Bible, we see evidence of how it is better to do things with other people than by ourselves. Ecclesiastes 4 says:
8 There was a man all alone;
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
"For whom am I toiling," he asked,
"and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?"
This too is meaningless -
a miserable business!
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV).
It is clear in this passage that we are better off working with others, enjoying the fruits of our labor with others, and defending ourselves with others. Further, if you have others in your life, you will have someone to help you up if you fall down.
In our lives, we must recognize that God realized that it is not good for us to be alone. And, as such, we must allow others into our lives. We must allow them to help us. And, we must ask for help when we need it. And, most importantly, we must recognize that we really can't do it ourselves!
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