How to be stronger together

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

One of Aesop’s fables tells the timeless story of an old man who had several sons. The sons never got along, and were always falling out with one another.

The man often exhorted them to live together in harmony, but they refused to make peace. So one day, he called them together and showed them a bundle of sticks he had gathered. The bundle was tied tightly – and the old man asked each of his sons to try and break it.

One by one, they tried as hard as they could. But none of the sons could even bend, much less break, the bundle. So the father cut the cord that bound the sticks together, and had each son break a stick separately – which was done easily.

“See, my sons, that’s the power of unity!” the old man said. “Bound together by brotherly love, you may defy almost every mortal danger, but divided, you will fall prey to your enemies.”

Of course, this is also true in the Christian life. Alone, we’re susceptible to attacks from sin and the enemy. But together, we’re more able to stand strong when temptations come our way.

Don’t try to live the Christian life alone. Surround yourself with other believers who will encourage you to stand strong when struggles come your way!

 

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would put the right people in your life who can encourage you in life’s struggles.

 

Questions for Thought

What in your life today keeps you from building deeper, more encouraging relationships with others?

Who are some people in your life right now with whom you can spend more intentional time growing together in Christ?