RIGHTEOUS RELATIONSHIPS
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
Growing up, I didn't have a ton of close friends. I was introverted, shy and fairly nerdy. When I got out of high school and my small hometown, I met the group of guys who have been my best friends for almost twenty years. What has allowed these relationships to endure is not just mutual interests or proximity but a commitment to bettering one another. We refuse to settle for the superficial. We believe God placed us in each other's lives for mutual edification. Put simply—I want them to help me grow as a Christ follower, husband, father, etc. I seek to do the same for them.
Who is sharpening you? Who is helping you grow? Holding your feet to the fire? Asking you the hard questions and refusing to settle for the superficial? I'm fortunate that I have a group of friends who have invested in me for two decades. You may take stock of your life and realize you're not in that place. That's okay! You can start right where you are. You may not dive into the depths right away, but you can begin with some honest conversations about mutual edification.
Quite simply, we need each other. We are created for community. There is no such thing as a lone-wolf Christian. Jesus had many people in His orbit during His ministry, but He was intentional with twelve in particular. Within that twelve, He was even more intentional with three. So, as you consider how to pursue depth in righteous relationships, consider quality over quantity.
Once you've identified who you'd like to invite into this level of relationship, be direct. Don't mince words or beat around the bush. Share with them that you're looking for them to sharpen you, and you seek to sharpen them. This isn't something you can force; you can only invite. Pray about who God has placed in your life that can play this role for you. Then, you can work together to discuss a plan for accountability and encouragement moving forward.
APPLICATION: Ask God to show you who can sharpen you and who you can sharpen.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the gift of community. Help me prioritize healthy relationships with fellow believers so we might grow closer to you together. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?