Scripture:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Ecc. 4:9-11
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
Reflection:
Statements are powerful and can change the course of men and nations. My guess is that the phrase I used to title this devotional made most of you also finish the phrase with; “Divided we fall.” United we stand, divided we fall became a rallying cry for the founding of our nation, the revolutionary generation, and the founding fathers. The phrase has its origins in modern times from a song that is noted as one of the earliest patriotic songs in the Thirteen Colonies called “The Liberty Song.” In the sixth verse, the phrase “united we stand, divided we fall” became a patriotic slogan. The song’s creator was John Dickinson, one of the Founding Fathers.
This pre-Revolutionary War song was published by Dickinson on July 7, 1768, and interesting enough, was set to the tune of “Heart of Oak”, the anthem of the Royal Navy of Great Britain.
Dickerson knew that well-form words, songs, and statements have great meaning. He was known as the “Penman of the Revolution.”
For the founding fathers, “United we stand, divided we fall”, became the statement that cemented the representatives of 13 diverse colonies to mutually pledge to each other; “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.” So firm was their resolve to stand together, that from this would come a Republic, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
I realize I am being overly obvious, yet there are some phrases that can carry life-changing significance if we allow them to guide and inform us.
God gives us phrases, or a word or a passage of scripture that becomes a bolt of encouragement from heaven. These words charge up our batteries and help us make it through another day. These words or phrases become foundations upon which we build our lives, families, or companies.
The word “Together” is one of those words for me. I would definitely rate it in my top ten, maybe even in my top five as foundational words of truth and instruction for my life. The reason this word rates so high for me is that I see it bringing meaning and significance to every aspect of life. It colors everything I do regarding God and others. I know I am always better when I work together rather than alone.
Life is all about “being together,” doing things together, and becoming together! We will never get to where God wants us to go in this journey called life by ourselves; we were designed to go through life together. Don’t let division keep you from the power of being together, being united for the cause that God has placed before you. The founding fathers pledged their sacred honor to be united and to stand together.
Our best life is lived united together with others!
David
P.S. We are launching a new prayer program in the next few weeks for mBridge called PrayVine. PrayVine is an email-based prayer list that allows us to instantly request you to join us in prayer for one of our Noble Causes when they are stepping into a potentially dangerous or difficult situation. PrayVine lets them know people are praying for them.
With PrayVine, you can just click a button and it notifies us that you are joining us in prayer. You can even click a button and it will record your voice as you pray allowing us to forward that prayer to our partner. It is a great tool that allows us to literally follow the admonition of Romans 15:30 when it says; “Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.”
I’ll share more about PrayVine as we get closer to launching this new program.
Lastly, for those of you that want the text of The Liberty Song:
Come, join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
And rouse your bold hearts at fair Liberty’s call;
No tyrannous acts shall suppress your just claim,
Or stain with dishonor America’s name.
Chorus:
In Freedom, we’re born and in Freedom, we’ll live.
Our purses are ready. Steady, friends, steady;
Not as slaves, but as Freemen our money we’ll give.
Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;
In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed,
For heaven approves of each generous deed.
Amen!
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