Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.   Proverbs 27:17 HCSB

If you have ever tried to sharpen something metal, like a knife, you know it requires something metal like a file. This makes the knife sharp and fit for use. The New King James Version says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”  Countenance can be defined as a person’s face or facial expression. It can also be defined as support.

Being a Christian is not easy. We face trials and tribulations and will continue to do so until Jesus calls us home. We must be sharp. We are told in 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”

Spending time with fellow Christians can help to make us stronger and lift our moods and bring joy to our faces.

This is why having a good, solid church family is so important. We are there to support each other and watch out for each other during trying times. When we are not feeling as strong or as sharp as we need to be, we can rely on our fellow Christians for support. We are better and stronger together.

Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we will all agree on matters. As long as we all agree on the doctrine, this is what truly matters. And as long as we are there to support each other and not tear each other down.

The world is a cruel place. No matter how much you may consider yourself a loner, we as human beings were made to be in fellowship with Christ and in fellowship with other believers.

This is the time of year where some of us, me included, may just want to lock ourselves in our homes and curl up on the couch and watch Christmas movies. There is nothing wrong with that. From time to time, we all need to unplug and unwind. But we are told in Hebrews 10:24 to be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works. We need each other.

We are told in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one for they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”

We often hear there is safety in numbers. I encourage you to not only support your fellow Christians and church members but also do not hesitate to lean on them for support in times of need. We all have times when we need to be sharpened and times when we can sharpen others.

We must also remember the warning Paul issued in 1 Corinthians 15:33 when he said, “Don’t be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals.”

We live in a world that is crazy at best. We know from 1 Timothy 3:1-6 that it will only get worse. We need each other. Sometimes you may be the knife and sometimes you may be the file, but we all need constant sharpening. Associate with those who are like minded in Christ and can be a support in times of trials and tribulations. Be careful to avoid those who give bad counsel or advice like the kind that goes against God’s word.

Have a great day!