May 13, 2021 - Ecclesiastes 4:9-16

There is an adage that states “there is no ‘I’ in team." While that is very true, the writer of Ecclesiastes would have also agreed that teamwork is essential in every area of life. Where one can accomplish a task in perhaps a short time, two working in unison can accomplish the task in half the time.

Whether it is labor or getting up off the ground after falling, it is easier when there is assistance. The work, accident, staying warm or defense of a position is always accomplished more thoroughly with aid. Ronald Reagan stated, “By working together, pooling our resources and building on our strengths, we can accomplish great things.” Solomon, after working on experiments and observing the nature of man, concluded that there is power in being unified and working together as a team.

He further warns that those who work together must be flexible and attentive to people around their sphere of influence. The aged king, who refuses to listen to counsel is replaceable with a younger king because of the youth’s ability to gain the popular opinion regardless of his past activities or financial status (vv.13-15).

The value of having a team around you to encourage, strengthen and assist in leadership is vital. Solomon’s warning was life is fleeting and relationships are important no matter what our occupation or responsibilities.

Our greatest relationship is with the Lord Jesus Christ, if you have not been cultivating that connection recently, I would urge you to take a moment and spend some time in reading and praying before moving on to your next task of the day. A.W. Tozer realized this and said, “God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible - what a pity that we plan only the things that we can do by ourselves.” Two are better than one especially if One is the Lord! Christ is our greatest Team Member!