THE IMPACTFUL FAMILY (8)

“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

Partnership is the innate Power of the IMPACTFUL FAMILY: “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecc.4:9-12). Our meditation passage offers profound wisdom for an impactful family, emphasizing that relationships are more valuable than wealth, and true strength comes from unity grounded in God. Just as the Manufacturer affirmed in the beginning, Marriage is good: “It is NOT GOOD that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Gen.2:18). God considered man’s aloneness as NOT GOOD; meaning by inference that, Marriage is good and can be rewarding: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Pro.18:22).

Our meditation verses convey the following lessons for families:

Relationships over Material Pursuit: “Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind” (v.6). Finding balance and ranking relationships over the endless pursuit of wealth can lead to greater satisfaction.

Importance of Companionship: “There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, “For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?” This also is vanity and a grave misfortune” (v.8). Aloneness can be miserable, and solitary wealth accumulation vain!

Value of Mutual Support: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up” (vv.9-10). Mutual Support is priceless within a family. In times of temptation, it’s better to have someone to keep one accountable and prevent one from falling into sin. In seasons of despair, it’s better to have an encourager who combats the onslaught of lies or negative thoughts. In moments of failure, it’s better to have another person to walk through the pain with and to help get one back on one’s feet.

Unity Gives Comfort and Strength against Life's Challenges: “Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?” (v.11). Life is better in partnership and community. To be alone isn’t necessarily negative, but a better and more fruitful way to live is alongside other people, as typified in the contexts of Marriage and Family. Two are better than one: at work (v.9), in moments of weakness (v.10), for intimacy (v.11), and in defence against attack (v.12).

Ultimately, the metaphor of a "threefold cord" signifies the strength of a family when unified with God (v.12).