Years ago, I had the brilliant idea that if I had enough equipment, I could do it all myself.  I’d have enough tractors, hay cutters, shredders, hay balers,  hay rakes, trailers, squeeze chute, head gate, cattle pens, and everything else I needed to be completely independent.  I wouldn’t need anyone’s help. 

Dee told me I was wrong and that I could never do it all by myself.  He said that people who live in the country have to rely upon each other to get things done.  But what does he know?

On Monday, I got a call from one friend who apologized for his cell phone being broken because he knew I needed to use his hay trailer to haul hay.  His voicemail said, “You are welcome to anything I have.”

I had another friend offer to cut, rake, and bale a large field of hay, because my busy schedule makes it difficult to find the necessary time.

Two weeks ago, I had a heifer giving birth to her first calf.  It was not going well and I was on the verge of losing the baby.  Two friends pulled the calf.  They insured both the baby and mother survived.

All of this tells me there’s no such thing as a “One Man (Woman) Show.”  The idea that any of us is completely self-reliant is simply not true.   We need others to make it through this life.  This is especially true for those who follow Jesus Christ.

My father, who is much smarter than I will ever be, says, “You cannot do Christianity alone.  It’s too hard.”  He’s right.

In a world that truly wants Christians to conform to the current societal norms no matter what the Bible says, we must rely upon one another to stay focused on what it means to be obedient to the one who created, redeemed, and sustains us.   Sadly, I see too many Christians compromise.  It’s the old, “Go Along to Get Along” way of thinking.  That’s not us.

One of the primary themes in scripture is the need to rely upon others.

The writer of Hebrews said, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”(Hebrews 10:24-25) 

The wisest person God ever created said, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Stay focused on your walk with Jesus and help others do the same.  That’s why we are here.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, use me to help others draw closer to you.  I also ask that you give me a heart of humility that will allow me to rely upon others.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

You are not in this alone.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins