At a recent pastors conference I heard an old African Proverb – “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I was struck by how the African people truly live according to that proverb. Very rarely will you see an African walking somewhere by him/her self. They don’t move quickly, but they move in relationship. It was always a challenge for me in my task-driven moments walking places as I’d have to force myself to slow down, and walk alongside my African brothers. Yet in so doing, I’d enjoy the blessing of relationship much more deeply.

It occurs to me that this proverb is not only true in Africa, but should be applied here in America. Americans pride ourselves on our fast-paced lifestyle, charging through life, and it is true, we do move quickly. And in general we move alone. Of the 45 countries I’ve spent time in, there are few that rival America in an individualistic, independent ethos. Certainly there are pockets where relationships are more frequent, but my African brothers have taught me that life lived in the fast lane misses much of the joy God has for us.

There are many Scriptural passages that reflect these same themes. In Hebr. 10, we are told that we must continue to meet together regularly, so that we can encourage each other and spur one another on to love and good deeds. The greatest commandments Jesus summarized NOT as “get a lot done, and do it quickly,” but “love God and love each other.” There are dozens upon dozens of commands in the New Testament that require going slowly in relationship with others. I’ll attach them below for you to review.

In one aspect of our life we’ve been richly blessed with these truths. We have a partnership team of individuals and churches who are walking with us as we serve our Lord in missionwork. It is a tremendous blessing being supported by these dear saints, and in truth, we go farther because of them. Together with this team, we are making an eternal impact for the kingdom of God, but it only happens because we are walking together – praying for each other, communicating with each other, contributing resources together so our vision is accomplished together. I praise and thank God for those who have faithfully partnered with us, going far for the glory of God.

Above all others, I’ve experienced this “going far together” with my bride of 15 years, Holly Belz. With Holly, I don’t necessarily go fast, but I do go far. This week we celebrated our 15 year anniversary, and I’m so thankful for all God has taught me through my wife, and the distance we’ve covered by keeping on walking together.

May God continue to challenge each of us to go together with others, to go the distance side by side with brothers and sisters in Christ who will support us, and who we will support. Pressing on to that end, Eric

“One anothers” in Scripture

Bear with one another and forgive – Col. 3:13
Admonish one another – Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:14
Love one another – 1 Thess. 3:12, 4:9; Jn. 13:34,35; 15:12-17; 1 Jn. 3:1, 3:23, 4:7, 4:11, 4:12, 2 Jn. 1:5
Comfort one another – 1 Thess. 4:18
Encourage, build up one another – Rom. 14:19, 1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13; 10:25
Live in peace with one another – 1 Thess. 5:13
Seek good for one another -1 Thess. 5:15
Members of one another – Rom. 12:5
Be devoted to one another – Rom. 12:10
Give preference to one another – Rom. 12:10
Be of the same mind toward one another – Rom. 10:16; 15:5
Do not judge one another – Rom. 14:13
Accept one another – Rom. 15:7
Greet one another with a holy kiss – Rom. 16:16
Care for one another – 1 Cor. 12:25
Do not challenge or envy one another – Gal. 5:26
Show forbearance to one another in love – Eph. 4:2
Speak truth to one another – Eph. 4:25
Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another – Eph. 4:32
Speak to one another in hymns – Eph. 5:19
Be subject to one another – Eph. 5:21
Regard one another as more important – Phil. 2:3
Do not lie to one another – Col. 3:9
Stimulate one another to love & good deeds – Heb. 10:24
Don’t speak against one another – James 4:11
Do not complain against one another – James 5:9
Pray for one another – James 5:16
Fervently love one another – 1 Pet. 1:22
Be hospitable to one another – 1 Pet. 4:9
Serve one another – 1 Pet. 4:10
Be humble to one another – 1 Pet. 5:5
Have fellowship with one another – 1 Jn. 1:7
Send gifts to one another – Rev. 11:10