Iron sharpens iron


Sunday's message was from 1 Samuel 18:1-4. It describes how Jonathan, the crown prince to the throne of Israel, provided unstinting support (in his heart and in providing physical assistance) to David, despite the fact that David's success must have threatened Jonathan's own claim to the throne.


Providing tangible and intangible support to others is a critical part of disciple-making. Last week I spoke about how the church leadership challenged us to be a blessing to 100,000 people. The church has passed with flying colours - the final count was in excess of 108,000. The numbers in themselves mean nothing - some of us may have contributed more numbers than others, but that is completely immaterial. Ultimately, it is the COMMUNITY which has succeeded. And the numbers provide evidence that we are prepared, as a community, to commission great acts of love. The leaders and the church members make each other better i.e. discipleship; and we spur one another on to good deeds.


So, for example, we should be ready help a brother who is in trouble - financial, family or otherwise. We should encourage a sister who could be doing better in her spiritual disciplines. We should lead our cell groups, bible study groups and indeed our own families by example.


So how do we make others better? First, recognise your own worth. Yes - YOU can be an inspiration to others! And neither under nor over-estimate your importance. Paul addresses self-overestimation very clearly in his letters:


"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3


"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4


We ARE special to God, but the world does not revolve around you, or me ALONE. Our triumphs, and for that matter, our defeats, are only part of a larger tapestry. So do not be devastated by failures or cocky about successes. Perhaps you have not been able to multiply your church group. Perhaps a loved one has disappointed you. Or maybe its the other way round - perhaps you have done well at work. Perhaps our zoo outing will prove to be a massive success. In either event, we must remember that God is is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). It is not by our might nor by our power, but by His Spirit (Zec 4:6) that these things happen.


But I think a less obvious, but equally important failing is UNDER-estimating your importance in God's plan. It's easy to hide complacency behind false humility. But in fact., so many of us risk missing out on the great things God has planned for us to do. I didn't think I could be a blessing to so many of my friends and loved ones. But I decided to give myself the chance to see God's power at work in me. And what a great ride it has been in the past month! As a faith exercise, it's the equivalent of doing a 200 pound bench press, and the church community's faith has just increased tremendously. So go for it - dream big dreams for God and let God surprise you!


Once we realise our own self-worth in God's eyes, then we can understand that God must have a special plan for each and every OTHER person as well. So, see the potential in others. Speak well of them. Uphold them in prayer and in action. Encourage them with your words and with tangible help when they are in need. Haven't all of us, at one time or another, said "aiyah, he's always like that - he will never change". Well, give God a chance to work His miracles in those around you, whether it's your friends, or colleagues or family. And better still, volunteer yourself to be that instrument for change. Then you can look back and say "I was part of a miracle". And let me tell you, that's a great feeling.


Let me be the first to admit that I have been terrible at this "encouraging other people" thing my whole life. Really. I love being by myself. I just like it. But am I going to take that lying down? No! I believe I am going to be the best friend, colleague, father, husband and son, not that I can be, but that God can make me be. And how does God effect this? By surrounding me with mentors, friends and family who will speak faith and truth to me and walk together with me.


As a band of believers, let's encourage and strengthen each other likewise. If I haven't demonstrated any encouragement to you yet, I declare by faith that this will change! (Gimme time to do the rounds with everyone though :)) And I invite everyone of you to make that same declaration of faith to be an encourager and example to your friends, colleagues and family.


"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17


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