Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fail, 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.”

Several years ago I was able to spend an afternoon at the Pratt & Whitney headquarters and assembly line in Hartford, Connecticut.  Pratt & Whitney is one of three major worldwide advanced engine manufacturers, and they are constantly in stiff competition with Rolls Royce and General Electric.  If there is an industry where business is considered a zero-sum-game, this is it.  A win for one seemingly implies the loss for another.

Interestingly, though, as I wandered through the advanced Pratt & Whitney complex in Hartford I noticed something surprising and encouraging.  Just off the high-tech assembly floor were liaison offices of Rolls Royce and General Electric.  Yes indeed, Pratt & Whitney had employees of their competitors embedded in their operations.  Their rationale for doing so was simple but powerful – even in the most competitive businesses there is a strong need for communication and ample opportunities for collaboration.

This is a great reminder to all of us who call on the name of Christ with like doctrine.  There is a strong need for communication and ample opportunities for collaboration, and we should do so at every opportunity.  Even when we view our partners as competitors, we must remind ourselves that there is outreach to be done and mutually beneficial partnerships to be formed.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO COMMUNICATE AND COLLABORATE WITH OTHER LIKE-MINDED BELIEVERS.  Two are better than one!