A Cord of Three Strands

There is absolutely no part of my finite brain that can understand the complexity of physics when I start thinking about exactly how a three stranded cord is exponentially stronger than only two strands. Nor, how braiding these three cords would affect the overall strength of them together. And thanks to the help from AI Overview, I learned that a braided cord of three strands is not simply three times as strong as a single strand; it is potentially up to 50% stronger than a two-stranded rope. While three strands can share the load, it's the braiding factor that introduces complex forces, which make each strand less efficient individually, but it creates a more resilient and stronger composite structure.

I'll leave the complicated rope knotting to the Boy scouts. But, I do love thinking about how God uses the passage in Ecclesiastes to remind us that we are better off for having a marriage partner to strengthen us. And more importantly, we have the Spirit of the Lord to intertwine within this covenant of marriage to infinitely strengthen this marriage relationship.

The passage reads: "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 stands is not easily broken" Ecclesiastes 4:9-12."

Do you want a marriage that's not easily broken? If yours feels fragile right now, it's not too late to call upon that third strand - Abiding in Christ and withstanding all of life's pressures and disappointments.

I actually used this passage as the main theme in my vows to my husband, and will invite you to read into this intimate part of my relationship because I believe it will help you reflect on any areas of your own marriage that might need to recommit to being a strong cord and depending on the Spirit's help to strengthen your relationship:

"The first part of this verse is about productivity. God knows that a partnership of a husband and a wife can produce much fruit as long as we are abiding in Christ. As your wife, I promise to abide in Christ first, so that I might have the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength to be a helpmate to you. I commit to doing my best to support our growth together financially, relationally, and spiritually, as we work together to build God’s kingdom by loving and ministering to others.

I will humble myself when needed, and lift you up when your own strength might be struggling, whether that source comes from stress, sickness, and especially as we grow old together, and find it more difficult to accomplish the same level of activity as we do today.

The second part of this passage, vs 10, refers to the concept of perseverance. I have learned that walking with Jesus, having a God – honoring marriage, and going through life’s trials takes an unwavering commitment to never give up. I promise to you and before God, that I won’t give up serving Christ, loving you, cherishing you, affirming you, encouraging you, listening to you, having fun with you, and dreaming with you, even when life is challenging.

Verse 11 refers to the idea of preservation. Though the passage describes the two keeping warm, preserving their need for physical warmth, I promise to preserve the warmth within our connection together and with God. I commit to forgive quicky, to forgive completely, and to keep the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual fire burning within me and our marriage together. I promise to grow in my ability to communicate well in conflict, and to compromise when it’s needed.

Lastly, Verse 12 discusses the idea of protection. I promise to protect my relationship with God and my marriage with you. Sometimes, that commitment will look like protecting our time together from other commitments that are good, but not what is most important. That commitment will include keeping boundaries to protect from outside negative influence that might seek to threaten my attitude, my perspective, my faithfulness, or my level of gratitude to God and for you.

 I promise to protect our marriage from discontentment, apathy, unfaithfulness, pride, selfish ambition, or vain conceit."

Now reflect on what parts you and your spouse may be doing well and what areas need to improve in your intertwining cord strength....

I invite you to grab a rope, cut it in three pieces, braid it, and hang it in your bedroom as a reminder of the intimacy you need with the Lord and with your spouse.