Are You Part of a Three-Fold Cord?
(June 16, 2025)
The cables in a modern suspension bridge are made of multiple steel wires twisted or braided together to form a larger cable which is then enclosed in a protective covering. A single steel wire only 0.1 inch thick can support over half a ton without breaking. This principle of strength in numbers is very biblical. Ecclesiastes 4:12 states that “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
Hence, my question, “Are You Part of a Three-Fold Cord?” Ecclesiastes 4:12 also says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three stands is not quickly broken.” What does the Bible mean by a three-fold cord? I believe this verse is talking about mentoring.
The principle is this: One strand of the three-fold cord is you. The second strand of the cord is your mentor, and the third strand of the cord is the person that you mentor. This is the way it works…
When you engage in a mentoring relationship with a godly person, you receive wisdom, encouragement, and strength to live for Christ. But when you add that third element of you becoming a mentor to someone else, that wisdom, encouragement and strength flows through you to another person and by it that person is strengthened, but so are you.
This “three-fold cord” will be almost impossible for the enemy of your soul to break and cause you to fall beyond repair. You may stumble, and you may even fall temporarily. But with the help of your other two “strands” you will be able to get back up and carry on in your walk with Christ!
If you are not part of a three-fold cord in this way, will you begin to pray that God would send you a mentor and someone for you to mentor? I believe this is God’s plan for every believer. Your walk with Christ cannot be strengthened in any other way. You can start today!