17 Iron sharpens iron,and one person sharpens another. -- Proverbs 27:17

Iron Sharpens Iron (Proverbs 27:17)

‍

This week, Mike continued our GAME CHANGERS series, where we investigated the importance and role of community in the life of the believer.  

God created us to live in community with others. In community, we have others with whom we can celebrate successes and mourn losses (Romans 12:15). We have help when times are hard (Ecclesiastes 4:9- 10) and someone to spur us on if we get complacent (Hebrews 10:24). We can get wise counsel for hard decisions (Proverbs 15:22) and resist the temptation to isolate and hide our own poor choices (Proverbs 18:1). We also sharpen each other and grow in our walks with Christ (Proverbs 27:17) - Watermark Community Church

Proverbs 27:17 highlights one of the benefits of surrounding ourselves with wise and Godly people. The verse states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Just like how two pieces of iron become sharper when they rub against each other, our relationships with other believers sharpen us as individuals. In our Christian context, the goal of this sharpening is not self-improvement or self-actualization but conformation to the image of Christ. Our relationships should spur us on to look and love like Jesus.

As a result, we must seek out a Christian community who challenges us to grow, encourage us when we are down, and hold us accountable when we stray from the way of Jesus. But it's not just about finding others who can sharpen us - we also have a responsibility to sharpen those around us.

The simple truth is we cannot do this alone. We need other people in our corner to point and push us toward Jesus no matter the season we find ourselves in.

Feeling spiritually dull? Surround yourself with other believers and get to work!