As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 27:17 NLT
God did not create us to live in isolation; from the very beginning, His design was for humanity to have companionship. The ministry of help ensures that no one carries the burdens of the world or any assignment alone. Throughout Scripture, we find numerous examples of people having support systems. God has intricately arranged life so that no one can exist independently. There is a saying that “one tree does not make a forest,” meaning it takes multiple trees to form a forest. Similarly, victory in battle often depends on the support of others, illustrating the necessity of community.
In the Bible, the story of Moses and the Israelites demonstrates this support system. During a battle, the Israelites would win as long as Moses held his hands up. However, when he grew tired, Aaron and Hur held his hands up, leading to victory. Similarly, Ruth and Naomi supported each other, showing the mutual benefits of a strong support system. Conversely, the wrong kind of support can have negative effects, as seen in the life of Amnon, who received terrible advice from his friend, leading to disastrous consequences.
Therefore, a child of God needs to associate with the right people. The ministry of help is one of the ways God ensures our growth. Only iron can sharpen iron; wood or plastic cannot. This means we must surround ourselves with like-minded, spiritual individuals. Associating with the right people strengthens a believer’s faith and spiritual life. Your associations significantly influence your eternal destiny; the people around you can either uplift you or lead you astray. Even regular church attendance cannot compensate for the wrong associations.
Today’s message is an admonition to seek and maintain the right company. You must also be the right kind of person to attract the right kind of people. Remember, iron sharpens iron. If you, as a ‘wood’, associate with ‘iron’, you will be damaged, and the iron will become blunt. Therefore, step out of isolation, evaluate your associations, and surround yourself with people who strengthen your faith.
In conclusion, companionship and support are essential in our spiritual journey. As Proverbs 27:17 highlights, the right friendships can sharpen us, leading us to grow and thrive in faith. It is important to be intentional about our associations, seeking relationships that inspire and uplift. By choosing wisely and becoming the right kind of person ourselves, we can create a community that nurtures spiritual growth and helps us live out our God-given purpose.