By Robert J. Tamasy
Have you ever noticed how many functional things come in twos? A bicycle, for instance, not only has two wheels and tyres but also two pedals. Can you imagine trying to participate in a bicycling competition with only one pedal? Airplanes can fly with a single engine, but if one wing falls off, disaster will follow.
Many parts of the human body we effectively use come in twos. We can see with just one eye, but two eyes give us depth perception. Lifting heavy items is extremely difficult with only one arm, and if you want to clap quietly, try applauding with one hand. If you run in a 100-metre dash using just one foot, your chances of winning are not very good.
We do not have to think too hard to come up with how the “better in twos” principle applies to the business and professional world. For learning various skills, the master and apprentice approach has historically proved very effective. More commonly today, many companies and organisations utilise the mentor and protégé strategy for training and equipping promising young talent.
Entrepreneurs may prefer being their own boss, but if they are wise, they will seek out a trusted advisor for making important decisions. Because we all have blind spots that can adversely affect our lives, we can benefit from having one or more accountability partners – trusted friends who care enough about us to ask challenging, difficult questions when necessary.
I have been impressed by how many times the Scriptures affirm the importance of being in twos. It starts early in the first book of the Bible when God declares, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Moses and Aaron were used to free the Israelites from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. The prophet Elijah trained his successor, Elisha, through whom God performed even greater miracles. Before becoming king of Israel, David benefited greatly from the friendship of Jonathan, son of King Saul.
This principle continues into the New Testament. Jesus Christ sent His disciples out by twos on ministry trips as part of their training. Then, after his dramatic conversion from persecutor of Christians to follower of Jesus, Saul (later renamed Paul) was befriended and mentored by Barnabas. Then Paul invested in the lives of individual men like Silas, Timothy and Titus. Here are some biblical truths about twos:
Two can provide necessary friction. As a writer and editor, I often discovered that working with others sharpened my focus and improved the final product, whether it was a newspaper, magazine or book. “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Two can provide needed help. In life and in work, there are times we will stumble. Having someone who can offer a helping hand is a great advantage. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Two can provide crucial counsel. In our enthusiasm – or foolishness – we may be tempted to take rash, unwise actions. Having a trusted advisor (or more than one) can help in avoiding disastrous decisions. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (Proverbs 19:20).
© 2024. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, co-authored with Ken Johnson; andThe Heart of Mentoring, co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
Think of some examples of things that come in twos that would not be nearly as effective if there were only one of them? Consider examples from the world of sports, the human body, or that you have observed in the marketplace.
Why do you think some people are insistent upon working or living their lives in isolation, apart from the influence or input of others? What are some of the pitfalls to this approach to life?
Who are some of the most successful ‘twos’ in the business and professional world that you can think of? What is it about their work together that has made them so successful?
One way of sharpening a knife is rubbing it against another blade. In what similar ways can we sharpen one another as we seek to develop and grow in our professional skills and expertise?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
Proverbs 10:17, 12:15, 13:14
Ecclesiastes 4:8
Philippians 4:9
2 Timothy 2:2
Challenge for This Week
Over the next week, think about your style and approach to work. Some of us prefer to work individually, while others more naturally gravitate toward teams and teamwork. If you tend to work independently, consider ways in which interacting with others could enhance your performance, productivity, and even job satisfaction.
Accountability and wise counsel are two benefits of working with at least one other person. If you do not already have such a person in your life, pray about and seek someone who could become “iron sharpening iron” for you.