[9] Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: [10] 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. [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. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12NIV
I saw a video the other day entitled, What We Mean When We Say Marriage Is Hard. In the video, it was a husband and wife playing a game together. There were 5 bottles on top of 5 hidden bottles. They had to work together in order to find the pattern of the 5 hidden bottles. Every time the husband made progress, the wife would argue with him and undo the progress on her turn. She’d tell him that he was wrong and (apparently) that even the judge was wrong. What could’ve been a quick, easy win within just a few moves turned into a difficult uphill battle.
Who you choose to spend your life with and who you choose to keep around you will either build you up or tear you down. They will either help you reach your goals or hold you back. They will either propel you towards your God-given call, or they will become an obstacle blocking your path. They will either lift the load or add to it. So be careful who you invite into your private world. Be careful who you invite into your private circle.
We are to be uplifting and encouraging towards each other, only building up and never tearing down. We are the body of Christ; we can’t work together if we’re fighting one another. We can’t be one if our desire is to destroy and dismantle anyone who isn’t exactly like us. We should never be dictators or narcissists in our relationships. Our actions should always point others back to Christ. They should always point back to the love of God. They should always cause those around us to see the Light of Christ in us.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Choose Wise Partners.