Better Together

You can’t make a delicious meal without combining many different elements together.

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Reference: Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11 NIV)

Explore: It’s hard to think of one thing that stands alone for an extended period of time.
Any person has been brought into this world as a result of two people and has then been influenced by many others. From extended family to school teachers to friendship circles, we are all formed by others who have travelled with us.

You can’t make a delicious meal without combining many different elements together. But even a single apple does not stand alone.

Although individually it is wholesome and delicious, it has had many elements go into it to make it what it is. The tree to begin with, the soil and water have all contributed to making that apple all it has become.

Application: We’re not built to do things on our own. At the time of you reading this, there have been hundreds of people who have added to your life.

Some may be very close to you, like your friends and family. But then there are those you don’t even know, like the person who founded the school you attended, the person who leads your local area or the people who constructed your house. You may not have met them personally but their decisions have impacted you.

The apostle Paul was an incredible evangelist. He was passionate and gung-ho in everything he did. So much so that even some of the other believers struggled with what he did.

But he was wise enough to know that he couldn’t do it all on his own. He was always mentioning others in his letters and even here, in 2 Timothy, he’s asking for more assistance.

There are times when we can get so caught up in our own ideas and enthusiasm that we forget how important it is to have others join in. We are the result of people who have gone before us and we are also here to be an influence on others. When we start viewing ourselves as a part of a greater community then we will start to make wiser and stronger decisions.

Prayer: Lord, may You open my eyes to all the people around me. Thank You for those who have added to my life and help me to be a positive influence on others. Amen.

List ten people who have influenced your life.

2 Timothy, community, influence, single, wisdom