A Sharpener

Proverbs 27:17
Hallelujah Sunday is here again! Just in case you were thinking of hooking church this Sunday let’s consider an important reason that Christians should be in church each week and be active participants. This little nugget of wisdom comes from Proverbs 27:17 which states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (NIV)” While a short verse, it makes a huge statement. There are many reasons to gather together as believers. One is hearing and receiving the Word of the Lord. The Pastor brings messages to the people that the Spirit has breathed into him or her, hopefully messages that convict and challenge us in our spiritual walk. The sermon should be pushing us forward and causing us to grow as followers. We also sharpen each other through accountability. Small groups, Bible studies, classes, and the like can take us to the next level in our walk and move us into relationships where we can be there to strengthen and encourage each other. Another reason to come together is the worship experience. I have had some pretty powerful moments on my own with God, but there is just something about public worship that is indescribable, a movement of the Spirit only felt when the congregation is assembled. The moment you enter the sanctuary, the holy space, you feel that presence of God surrounding you. All these pieces come together as we meet and our sharpness as Christians increases, our desire for more of God increases, and our commitment to doing the work of the Lord increases. As Christians we are not meant to be hermits - sure you should spend time alone with your Father, but you should not undertake this spiritual journey alone. So when the bells ring this Sunday make your way to church and get yourself sharpened up to be the strong man or woman of God you are called to be!