LIVING FROM THE ROOTS

Ecclesiastes 4:9-129
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.

The Reader's Digest article "What Good Is a Tree?" explained that when the roots of trees touch, there is a substance present that reduces competition. In fact, this unknown fungus helps link roots of different trees--even of dissimilar species. A whole forest maybe linked together. If one tree has access to water, another to nutrients, and a third to sunlight, the trees have the means to share with one another.

Solomon understood the value of that kind of community among God's people. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 he outlined how mutual partnership is preferred over rugged individualism. When we live in community, we have greater productivity in times of labor. In verse 9, Solomon said, "They have a good return for their work.

"He continued his message about community in verse 10, "If one fallsdown, his friend can help him up." There is greater help in times of difficulty. We fall down for a variety of reasons, and it is good to have someone to help us get back up.

Solomon stated another advantage--comfort in times of pain: "If two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" (v.11). As Jesus-followers, we should find fresh ways to encourage people with our presence.

A final advantage of mutual partnership is greater protection in times of danger (v.12). The roads in Israel were dangerous to travel. The roads on which we travel through life are dangerous as well, and we need someone who will walk with us, cry with us, laugh with us, and grow with us. For there is great strength in community.

We were created for relationship. Like trees in a forest, Christiansin the church need and support one another. Let's start living fromthe roots. --Marvin Williams

DESTINATION POINTS

* To whom can I provide community this week?
* How can I begin tolive from the roots with my fellow brothers and sisters?

LINKS:
Celebrating The Wonder Of A Tree
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1113

The Church We Need
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0904

bottom line: God's way is interdependence--not independence.

soul journey