[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during October 2023]
For the past couple of weeks we have been progressing through the book of Ecclesiastes, looking a various statements from the first three chapters and contrasting them with verses from the corresponding chapters in the epistle of James. In general, the writer of Ecclesiastes suggests that life is largely futile and meaningless whereas James gives advice intended to help make life worthwhile.
In chapter 4 that dichotomy appears to be reversed. James writes some words that we might expect to find in Ecclesiastes. Is he, too, succumbing to the futility of life?
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4 v14 [NIVUK]
Whilst the writer of Ecclesiastes continues his woeful thoughts throughout much of chapter 4, we do see some common sense there:
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4 v9-10 [NIVUK]
Even in our everyday lives we can see the truth of this argument: if someone stumbles then their companion can help them to steady themselves, two people consulting together tend to make better decisions, two people contributing to the household income makes paying bills somewhat easier.
Can we apply this principle of partnership to our Christian walk? We recall that God himself said that is not good for man to be alone.[1] The apostle Paul valued the support of his fellow believers[2] and the writer to the Hebrews explains how by meeting together we can encourage one another, spurring us on to good deeds.[3]
Building healthy partnerships takes effort. The same applies to building heathy church communities. Are we willing to help those who are facing problems, are we willing to share our time and resources, are we willing to get involved? In Sunday’s ‘Yours’ Chris suggested that we need to think – and act – outside the (church-shaped) box. Only then will we fully enjoy the blessings that being part of a healthy church brings.
But is there anything here to bring encouragement to those whose status seems to fall short of God’s preferred model? What about those whose faith is not understood by their partners? We need to ensure that the benefits of fellowship are extended to those who, for whatever reason, find themselves walking a solitary path. In the closing words of Matthew’s gospel Jesus made a promise that is applicable to all who seek to follow him:
I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age. Matthew 28 v20 [AMP]
Or, to put it another way, you’ll never walk alone.
Resources:
[1] Genesis 2 v18
[2] for example, Philemon 1 v23-24
[3] Hebrews 10 v24-25
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
