“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a Safari expedition in South Africa. I was mesmerized, watching all the incredible animals of this Animal Kingdom that one typically experiences only in pictures. But of all the species, one that really caught my attention, believe it or not, was a group of flamingos standing very still on one leg while the other leg curled up. This was an amazing sight because if you’ve ever seen a pink flamingo, you know their legs aren’t much more than tiny straws when compared with the rest of their body. I couldn’t believe that one teeny-tiny leg could support all of their weight. These birds stood as still as statues, not flinching a single muscle. I asked the tour guide what the reason behind that was. Her answer was, “They like it.” She told me that flamingos stand on one leg when they sleep when they rise, and just about anytime they want to. They simply like it, but no one really knows why. Go figure.
It’s a mystery to scientists exactly why flamingos spend so much time on one leg.
On the other hand, people have their weight distributed vertically, lining up with the center of gravity. So because of this, one would think it would be easier for people to stand on one leg than a flamingo. But anyone who has gone leg-to-leg with a flamingo in a balancing contest knows this isn’t true. We would all agree that it is much easier to stand on two legs. The more support we have, the better off we are.
Think about these dynamic duos that just seem to be better together than standing alone:
Prayer & fasting
Worship & praise
Tithes & offering
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Macaroni & Cheese
Salt & Pepper
Cake & Ice cream
Love & Marriage
Each of these things needs the other to make a great combination. We’re better together when it comes to almost everything, which is why teamwork is essential.
1. The power of community
Immense research has shown that if someone is in a community with other like-minded people pursuing the same goal, the chances of success dramatically increase. This is why the “church community” is the most influential community on the face of this earth.
The reality is, we can’t stand alone in life. When we stand alone, we are more vulnerable to being knocked over. We can’t succeed to the fullest on our own; we need each other.
2. The importance of belonging to a Home Group
We encourage each member to join a “Home Group” or any other Group Ministry at our church.
Last Saturday, I joined our cycling club members for a short ride after being absent for a while due to a physical injury. Doing community with like-faith people is so refreshing and spiritually healthy.
Every successful person has a great inner circle; A group of people with whom they change the world. You are only as good as those you surround yourself with.
“One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” Dr. John C. Maxwell
Have a Blessed Week,
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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