Our society makes self-reliance and independence a virtue. Western culture pervades my thinking and the temptation to tackle things myself is strong. We root for characters like John Wayne, Jason Bourne, Indiana Jones and, need I say, the Lone Ranger. I’m applauded if I try to “pull myself up by my bootstraps,” which is ironic since the saying is actually a picture in futility. True strength lies in community and not in isolation.
When I want to grow, I need people around me. They can help bring me to a maturity they have achieved. And when I need help or get stuck, they can provide the catalyst to get me moving again. According to the Jewish sages, “you can’t pull yourself up by tugging at your own hair,” a vivid picture making the truth of the principle obvious.
Paul was a man of great capability and spiritual maturity. Yet when he was in need, he didn’t hesitate to call for others to help, beckoning at times Timothy, Titus and others to his side. When I face an obstacle I don’t need to overcome it alone, there are those who can help me up and over. Why do I still resist? It may be pride, fed by our culture of self-reliance. Or maybe I’m afraid of inconveniencing someone (could that be pride, too?). God did not create us to be alone. We need each other. I need to live like it.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 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! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 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
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