Reading the Word

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)

Understanding and Applying the Word

We are a work in progress. None of us has reached the point where we have attained all wisdom and learning that there is. In fact, we are all far from that. The wise know this and continue to learn and grow throughout life. The wise also know that we do not learn and grow as well in isolation. We need others in our lives. We need others to teach us, to help us see those places where we are lacking, to confront us, and to encourage us. Just as iron sharpens iron, we need one another so that we too can be sharpened.

God did not intend for his people to live and grow in isolation, this is why he gave us the Church. The Church is where the people of God come together in community for mutual benefit as we learn and grow together. We must never neglect belonging to the community of Christ. It is there that we are sharpened and grow to maturity.

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