「我知道要成功過關的唯一辦法，就是忘記我的家庭、我的妻子、兒女……但我就是做不到！他們已經深深刻在我心裡了。」喬丹參加了一個真人實境節目，參賽者需要獨自一人在偏遠地區，以最少的物資在野外求生，時間越長勝利的機會越高。但後來迫使喬丹放棄比賽的原因，不是大灰熊，不是嚴寒低溫，也不是受傷或挨餓，而是一股排山倒海的孤獨感，以及與家人在一起的渴望。

我們可能具備了野外求生所需的一切技能，但讓自己脫離群體卻注定會失敗。傳道書的作者滿有智慧，他說：「兩個人總比一個人好，因為……這人可以扶起他的同伴」（4章9-10節）。在一個尊榮基督的群體當中，即使有許多混亂，但對我們個人成長而言，依然至關重要。

在面對這個世界的考驗時，我們若單打獨鬥，必定毫無勝算。一個人獨自勞碌不息，勞碌也是枉然（8節）。離了群體，我們更容易被擊垮（11-12節）。一條繩子容易斷，「三股合成的繩子不容易折斷」（12節）。一個有愛、以基督為核心的群體是上帝所賜的恩典，不僅能帶給我們鼓勵，也給我們力量，讓我們在充滿挑戰的環境中茁壯成長。的確，我們需要彼此，需要群體！

“I knew that the only way to succeed was to forget about home and my wife, son, and daughter,” said Jordon. “I’ve found I can’t do that. They’re woven into the fabric of my heart and soul.” Alone in a remote area, Jordon was participating in a reality show where contestants are asked to survive outdoors with minimal supplies for as long as possible. What forced him to forfeit was not the grizzly bears, freezing temperatures, injury, or hunger, but an overwhelming loneliness and desire to be with his family.

We might have all the survival skills necessary for the wilderness, but separating ourselves from community is a sure way to fail. The wise author of Ecclesiastes said, “Two are better than one, because . . . one can help the other up” (4:9-10). Christ-honoring community, even with all its messiness, is essential to our thriving. We don’t stand a chance against the trials of this world if we try to tackle them on our own. Someone who toils alone, toils in vain (v. 8). Without community, we’re more susceptible to danger (vv. 11-12). Unlike a single thread, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). The gift of a loving, Christ-focused community is one that not only provides encouragement, but also gives us strength to thrive despite challenging situations. We need each other.