.....together

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

At a diet workshop, the leader began her lecture about the problems of dining out. She offered practical suggestions like ordering diet sodas, choosing broiled instead of fried foods, and asking for dressing on the side. Finally, she opened the floor for discussion: "What is the greatest problem you encounter when going out to eat?" Without missing a beat, one woman replied, "Running into you!"

Everyone laughed, but it’s true — having someone watching changes how we act! Accountability keeps us on track, especially when our willpower gets a little shaky.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. It's easy to think we’re doing fine when no one's around to see the shortcuts we take. We can tell ourselves, “I’m doing okay,” while quietly slipping into habits that pull us away from God. But real, lasting growth happens when we invite others into our journey.

Solomon reminds us that “two are better than one” because when one falls, the other can lift them up. God didn’t design us to go through life alone. We need people who will encourage us, challenge us when we get comfortable, and gently call us back when we start drifting.

Accountability isn’t about guilt — it’s about love. It’s about having people who care too much to let us settle for less than what God has called us to be.

What a blessing to have a friend who will check in on your spiritual life, a mentor who encourages you to keep pressing forward, or a small group that prays for you when you’re struggling! These are the people who will help us stay strong when life gets hard and our faith feels shaky.

So, don’t be afraid to let someone walk alongside you. Invite a trusted friend to encourage you, pray for you, and remind you of who you are in Christ. And be that kind of friend for someone else too — not with judgment, but with kindness, patience, and grace. Because when we walk together, we’re so much stronger.

- alan smith

 

Father, thank you for the people you have placed in my life to help me grow. Give me the humility to invite accountability. Help me to be a friend who encourages others and points them toward you. In Jesus’ name, amen.