Better Together
A Hiking Devotional
There's something deeply satisfying about conquering a challenging trail solo – just you, the mountain, and your thoughts. You set your own pace, stop when you want, and don't have to coordinate with anyone else's schedule or abilities. It's peaceful, meditative, and completely under your control.
Until you twist your ankle three miles from the trailhead with no cell service.
Suddenly, that rugged individualism doesn't feel quite so appealing. You're sitting on a rock, calculating how long it'll take to hobble back on one good leg, wondering if anyone will notice you're missing before dark. This is when you'd give anything for that slightly annoying hiking buddy who talks too much and always wants to stop for photos.
Here's what every experienced hiker knows: solo hiking has its place, but the best adventures happen with other people. They spot the wildlife you miss, carry extra water when you run out, know first aid when you need it, and somehow make that brutal uphill grind way more bearable with terrible jokes and shared suffering. Plus, let's be honest – the views are better when you have someone to share them with.
Jesus understood this principle completely. In Matthew 18:20, he said, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." He wasn't just talking about formal church meetings – he was acknowledging that something special happens when people come together with a common purpose.
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it's laid out even more clearly: "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? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
And in Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer encourages us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Look, there's nothing wrong with some alone time with God. Jesus himself went off by himself to pray regularly. But if your entire spiritual life is a solo expedition, you're missing out on some of the best parts of following Jesus. You're also setting yourself up for trouble when the trail gets rough.
Other believers can encourage you when you want to quit, help carry your burdens, share their supplies when you're running low, and celebrate with you when you reach those amazing viewpoints. They'll also call you out when you're about to do something stupid, which – let's face it – we all need sometimes.
This Week's Challenge: If you've been trying to follow Jesus as a solo expedition, take one step toward hiking with others. That might mean actually showing up to a small group, finding someone to pray with regularly, or just being honest with a Christian friend about where you're struggling. If you're already connected with other believers, think about who in your life might be hiking alone and could use some companionship on the trail.
Better together isn't just a nice idea – it's how we were designed to live.
Questions for Reflection
1. Think About It: What's the difference between hiking alone versus hiking with others? What are the benefits and challenges of each? When have you been grateful for companionship on a difficult trail?
2. Get Personal: Are you more of a "solo hiker" or "group hiker" when it comes to your spiritual life? What draws you to that approach, and what might you be missing from the other side?
3. Go Deeper: Who in your life helps you stay on track spiritually, encourages you when things get tough, or challenges you to keep growing? If you can't think of anyone, what's one step you could take this week to find that kind of companionship?