Companionship Most of us need companionship. Some few may say that they could and would rather live by themselves without the encumbrances of family, mate, friends or any kind of fellowship. But most of us would find this kind of existence difficult if not unbearable. The sentiment of that old song which says “Everybody needs somebody sometime...” rings true. The book of Ecclesiastes has this to say on the subject: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 LIV). There is here an emphasis on the benefits of companionship. We need each other. Such was the case from the very beginning. Adam named the creatures of the earth, and in the process a help suitable for him was not found. God said “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18 KJV). Eve was made as a proper and perfectly suited counterpart to Adam. As a result we have Genesis 2:24: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Most people have this same need for a mate. Not everyone does and being single does not in any way diminish the value of the individual. But many of us do need this kind of companionship. The text is clear that companionship is good. We need the companionship of our mates, our larger families, our friends, the church, and our other associates. The need for companionship is clear. There is one thing more important that the need for companionship. It is the nature of that companionship. Consider Proverbs 13:20: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Who we choose for companionship is important. Difficulties arise when we attempt to form relationships with people who are too different from ourselves. Paul made it clear in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 that believers in God cannot be joined together with those who refuse to believe in God:“...what part hath he that beieveth with an infidel?’ One of the most fateful lines of Scripture is in 2 Samuel 13:3 where it is said “But Anmon had a friend....” Annon had a case of what the New Testament calls “evil concupiscence’ for his relative Tamar. She, as you will remember, was young, beautiful and pure. Amnon knew he had no business with her as verse two reveals. But his friend Jonadab came up with a plan to deceive her. They entered into that deception and the young girl was pitifully abused, even though she objected clearly, rationally, and forcefully. To add insult to injury, after all was done, he sent her away, rejecting her totally. Annon paid with his life at the hands of Tamar’s brother Absalom. Tamar paid with her shame. One might well argue that Absalom’s sad course of life was influenced by the events of these days. All this happened because of the plans of a very subtle man, the “friend” Jonadab. This situation illustrates the contention mentioned above: as important as is the need for companionship, the character of our chosen companions of more importance. It is better to be alone that the companion of the wrong person. It is better to be alone than in anguish. Christians must be careful about their companions. Whether we are talking about one’s mate or one’s friends, remember to find people that can help you get to Heaven. One day this is all that will matter. by Bill Irby West Hobbs Street Church of Christ, Athens, Al
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 09:36:10 +0000
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