BOGO Faith

On a recent shopping trip I saw a BOGO (buy one get one free) sale. It made me stop and take notice. Two for the price of one is better than just one. That led me think of Ecclesiastes 4:9: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor (NASB).”

In a go-it-alone world where we talk about inner strength and the self-made person, it’s good to remind ourselves that asking for help is a good thing. The buddy system is just as important for life as it is for other things. As the next verse points out, “For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion (4:10).”

In several books I’ve read on explorers and their expeditions, I was struck by the importance of teaming up with others for a successful journey. In one book on an Antarctic expedition it mentioned how the team stayed close together in their tent to help keep warm. “Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone (4:11).”

As followers of Jesus we are engaged in a Spiritual battle that should not be fought alone. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” While it’s good to put on the full armor of God (6:11), it’s even better to team up with others in the fight. “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart (Ecclesiastes 4:12).”

So when you feel alone and it seems like life is overpowering you, remember BOGO—Be One Get One. Be a person of faith in Jesus and get a trusted person of faith to join you in your struggles. Talk with them; pray with them; read scripture together; sing songs of praise together. May the third strand woven with the two be the strength of the Lord. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. – Ephesians 6:10

© 2024 Chris G. Thelen