THIS YEAR'S THEME: IRON SHARPENS IRON

We need each other. None of us can reach spiritual maturity, let alone salvation, without help. We need guides, holy men and women who teach the truth and show us by the example of their lives how to be disciples of Jesus. But what about our peers? Do they have a role to play in my reaching holiness or are peers merely a distraction that lead me to make poor choices?

According to the proverb, we all have the responsibility to issue challenges, exact accountability and even offer correction to our friends. Sounds intimidating doesn’t it? How can I help someone else on their journey toward heaven if I don’t have all the answers, if I myself am not perfect?

Look again at the proverb. The proving is mutual. As I sharpen you, you are sharpening me. That is God’s plan. Through Christian community we practice goodness and are perfected; all of us learning charity and striving to will the good of others everywhere and always. Even more reason to take my lifelong conversion seriously; it is not just for myself, but for those around me that I pursue perfection in Christ.

Keep in mind, that failure to be sharpened does not result merely in a dull sheen as you move through the world as opposed to a brilliant one. As anyone who works with tools knows, a dull knife is dangerous. Failing to be sharpened by others actually leads to causing harm; we become dull and rusty with ignorance, poor habits, and depressed spirits. By staying closed in on myself, allowing fear to overtake me, not developing meaningful friendships with others on the journey and thinking I can handle this life on my own, I actually end up hurting myself and others. Self isolation makes it easier to fall into sin and one never fully develops the abilities and capacities necessary to love.

The proverb clearly asserts that if we “do the work” of attending to ours and others’ salvation as God wills, we will reap the benefits.

The last line is a reminder that whether we intend to or not, our faces reflect the condition of our hearts. If our heart is a place where Christ dwells (and He is longing to make His home in you), then it is His face we show to the world. If you are still striving to go it alone, to overcome difficulties without opening up to God, motivated by fear as opposed to joy, then others will be met with a struggling, wounded person who is incapable of mirroring Christ.

This does not mean we should paint a smile of wellness on, but should pray for His healing and His indwelling so that we may exude the peace that passes all understanding and radiate His pure joy.

So let’s get sharpening!!