A sea captain and his chief engineer argued incessantly as to which of them was more important to the ship. Like a bad storm, the bickering raged. At last they discovered a way to settle their sea of differences: the two sailors would trade places. Each man reasoned that the other would recognize his greater importance. The chief engineer took the helm while the captain disappeared into the dark cavern of the engine room. One hour passed with relative calm, but before the second hour was up the captain rushed to the deck. His body was covered in grease, and there was panic in his voice. “Chief!” he yelled, waving a monkey wrench in his hand, “I can’t make her go!” “Of course you can’t,” the chief shot back in disgust, “I’ve run us aground.”
The workplace, like a ship, requires more than one person to run at peak efficiency. At times, however, we fail to realize the value of those around us. The captain and chief engineer discovered that the smoothest sailing occurs when we move from independence to interdependence. It is a sailing lesson God taught long ago:
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT)
God’s lesson: “Two are better than one!” Think about it, who is Batman without Robin? Who is Clark Kent without Lois Lane? Who is Abbott without Costello? Who ever heard of The “Single” Musketeer? Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Read Luke 10:1 or Mark 6:6-8 and you will find Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two. Paul, the great apostle, always had ministry partners.
Whether you and your “mates” are swabbing the deck, writing software, selling products, serving in a hospital, riding in a police car, putting out fires, or making plans in the corporate boardroom, God’s principle holds true – two are better than one. We are all more likely to experience smooth sailing when we realize that we need each other.
FOCAL POINT: Take a sheet of paper and write on it the number “2” to help you remember God‘s important principle: “two are better than one.” Take some time to thank God for your co-workers. Single out two of them and thank them for the important contribution they make to keep your business afloat.