Two are better than one

https://odb.org/2026/07/02/team-effort

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NIV): 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

In 1869, construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Soon after work commenced, chief engineer Washington Roebling became very ill. His wife, Emily, pitched in to help. She studied his plans, revised specifications, and gave instructions to his assistants. Emily assisted her husband in any way she could, and when the bridge opened in 1883, she rode in the first carriage across it. Her husband praised her “remarkable talent” and “her thorough knowledge of the work and plans.”

Such teamwork is beautiful and the secret to the most meaningful work of our lives. Solomon explained the basis of teamwork in Ecclesiastes: “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” (4:9-10). And Paul said we should view teamwork as a key to the work of the church: “There are many parts, but one body” (1 Corinthians 12:20). He further explained that there should be “no division in the body” (v. 25) as everyone serves together, caring for each other. (Dave Branon, Our Daily Bread 2nd July 2026)

I was tasked with chairing the organising of this year’s church family camp for our local church. We have planned for it for the upcoming Merdeka break. By the early bird closing date of 30 June, we already have 95 registrations, which is a little more than our projection of 80. Initially, I wasn’t quite keen to lead as I have a heavy workload at work. But as others have already led before, it is my turn to contribute to the cause. Fortunately, the team that are used to organise our camps are still very much there to help out including our elder and senior pastor. So, in the end, it’s a team effort that will make this upcoming camp a success!

It’s the same with other ministries in the church. Two are better than one. Even the band is a combination of a few musicians hearing each other and playing in sync with the worship leader and the AV team working in the background on sound and video for Zoom. Every Sunday worship service, the highlight of a church, is a culmination of efforts from various people – preparing the place, ushering in the congregation, in some places parking arrangements are essential, taking care of the children and youths, preparing the elements for Holy Communion and in some churches, the lunch that follows after the service. It usually starts early in the morning and ends late afternoon. That is why full-time workers of the church usually have Mondays as their rest days. They are mostly exhausted after Sundays!

In terms of the family unit, parents are usually a partnership in the modern context. While it was more common for families with sole bread winners during my parent’s generation, it is more common nowadays for married couples to be double-income units. The economics is such that it is tough not only to survive but also to provide a better future for our children if only one spouse works. That is why when it comes to marriages, two is better than one. Both are equal partners although the husband is the head of the family with Jesus being our ultimate head. In reality, the wife has the final say in most things anyway!

As a believer, we should ask ourselves – why do it alone when we can do it together? Solomon advised in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. That’s God’s wisdom from heaven indeed!