Better Together

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” – King Solomon

One of the biggest lies we can believe is that I must do it all alone. Said differently – I don’t want to bother anyone, I’ve got this, or I shouldn’t need help. Many of us have the misconception that needing other people is a sign of weakness. But the opposite is true. We are weakest when we are alone.

In my Bible study group, we recently looked at 1 Corinthians 12. Here, Paul gives a simple illustration – each of us is a different body part. No one part of the body can stand alone. If we were only an eye, we could not hear, walk, or breathe. If we were only ears, we couldn’t smell, see, or touch. But God, as the Creator and Master Designer, put us all together, just as He desired. 

God didn’t make a mistake when He gifted you with your personality, skill set, and spiritual gift. He also didn’t make a mistake when He didn’t provide you with every skill set and talent. He put His body, the Church, together in a way that demands interdependence. All of us are dependent on Him, and all of us need each other. 

For some time, I have loved this portion of Scripture and been drawn to the beautiful way God has designed each person. I have even taught from this passage, sharing how God placed us together just right and how our gifts meet others’ needs. But I tended to focus on the portion about using our gifts to bless each other. 

Recently, I have been drawn to the concept that I need others. Maybe it’s growing up and maturing, or perhaps it’s that God has put me in a place of responsibility that far exceeds my ability to accomplish on my own. Whatever the case, I am more convinced than ever that two are better than one. 

Something else I am noticing is that the more I invest in others, the more I am blessed. The more I care, the more others care about me. The more I give, the more I receive. And the more I listen, the more I am heard. When I had surgery in April, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who checked in, brought me meals, sent me flowers, and even a few who cleaned my house. Seven years earlier, I had a similar surgery, and a few people showed such care, but to a much lesser degree. Noticing this difference, I wondered why.

After pondering a bit, I concluded it has little to do with the other people and everything to do with me. Though I still have a lot of room for growth, today, I make more time for people and care more about who they really are. And what you give comes back to you. To quote Jesus, “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38 NASB)

God has challenged me many times to give what I want to receive. When I feel the need for help, I try to help someone else. When I need someone to invest in me professionally, I choose to invest in others. When I need someone to support me, I aim to support those around me. 

I believe it is time for God’s people to pull together, collaborate, and stand shoulder to shoulder. What would it look like if we spent more time intentionally creating spaces and places for working together? This could be a phone call with a friend, coffee with a mentor, joining a small group, investing in a coach, or joining a cohort. Relationships will never happen by accident. We have to be intentional and purposeful. 

You might be saying all this sounds great, but what if I don’t have those people in my life? What if I feel alone or don’t know where to start? I want to challenge you not to overcomplicate it. Just do something – send one text, ask one person to coffee, introduce yourself to one new person. And if that doesn’t work, keep trying. 

God makes it clear – we are better together. And we are incomplete without each other. Don’t miss the beauty and strength you can find in the people around you.