WISDOM FOR POSITIVE PARTNERSHIP

“TWO are BETTER than one, because they have a GOOD REWARD for their labor” – Ecclesiastes 4:9

Another vital dimension of destiny relates to WISDOM for POSITIVE PARTNERSHIP: “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. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? (Ecc.4: 9-11). Although this text refers primarily to the marriage relationship, Positive Partnership can exist in business, friendship, ministry, or any other settings.

The ‘Manufacturer’ of Marriage said at the Beginning: “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Gen.2:18). If aloneness is NOT GOOD, then Partnership was intended to be good, beneficial and rewarding. Indeed, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Pro.18:22). In contrast is the depressive misery of aloneness: “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).

LIFE is BETTER in PARTNERSHIP and Community than in Isolation. Our Lord Jesus addressed the Principle of Positive Partnership: “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for hem by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Mt.18: 19-20). The Power of Partnership lies in the collective ability to share resources, expertise, and networks for productive synergies: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Pro.27:17). Productive partnerships are respected and nurtured.

To be alone isn’t necessarily negative, but a better way to live is alongside others. Two are better than one: at work (v.9), during times of weakness (v.10), for intimacy (v.11), and while under attack (v.12). This Wisdom is true and applicable in different life settings. In moments of temptation, it’s far better to be accountable to someone who deters us from falling into sin. In moments of despair, it’s far better to have an encourager alongside, combating the onslaught of negative thoughts. In moments of failure, it’s far better to have a partner to walk with and to help get one back on track. Two are better than one, because that’s how our Relational God created it to be!

God’s Mission is achieved as the entire Body of Christ works together. We’re called to Unity, to encourage and lift up each other, and bear one another’s burdens (Psa.133: 1-3; Eph.4:3). The Apex of Partnership has God as Prime Upholding Partner in the “three-fold cord” (v.12).