Two Are Better Than One

“Two are better than one?” If you have read the book of Ecclesiastes, you recognize the proverb as coming from the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon.  The proverb in its complete form reads,

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?

12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Why are two better than one?

Reward (They can give each other the reward of encouragement).

Help (They can build each other up spiritually).

Warmth (When one is spiritually cold, the other can keep the fire going).

The have each other’s back.

Imagine the benefits of three!

This idea of two being better than one is such an important principle for success in the ministry that Jesus implemented it with His disciples,

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. (Mark 6:7).

Later, the apostle Paul modeled this same pattern of success in starting churches all over Asia Minor. The pattern of “two” permeates the book of Acts.

Paul and Barnabas, Acts 15:22

Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, Acts 15:22

Paul and Silas, Acts 15:40, et al.

Silas and Timothy, Acts 17:14

Barnabas and John Mark, Acts 15:39

I have left Chantha alone, as one, for too long. It has been difficult. The ministry isn’t a one man endeavor. We need two, yes even three. Now we have them.

On this visit I have added two part-time staff members to the team.  Mout and Van have joined us on our mission to make disciples.  That is their job description, plain, simple, succinct:  Make disciples.  Each man has given a three month commitment— then we will reevaluate.

The Biblical method is teamwork.  Many before us have set the example.  Chantha and Mout will “Make disciples” in Phnom Penh, Van will do it in Battambang.

Battambang is far from Phnom Penh so we pray for a brother to rise to join him. In the meantime, Mout and Chantha can make an overnight run north when need arises. God will send a second man there in His timing (Fortunately, Van’s wife Ravy stands side-by-side with him).

Each man faces opposition, temptations, discouragement, trials, but he now has the other man to defend him.  Will you pray for each of them by name?