Elemental: S2 - Day 25
Proverbs 27:17 “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of one another.”
We’ve identified significant rebuilding blocks as we sifted through our thinking of the past.
First, there’s Jesus. Every block we handle, every idea considered, if it has anything to do with God, it has Jesus in it. In the New Testament, sure. In the Old Testament? Surprisingly, yes. In nature, our friendships, and in logic, He is everywhere.
And as we assemble the walls built on this firm base, we’re reminded that this is a relationship we’re building. So, this won’t be about capture, conquest, or complete comprehension. We’ll erect the sturdy wall of passionate pursuit. Then we’ll marry it to the wall of freedom fully exercised. This is our choice, purchased by the sacrifice of Christ.
So, what’s next?
I have a recommendation. It grows from Matthew 18:20, which says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” How interesting that Jesus implies there is greater power when faith is shared between two or more people than when carried alone. Maybe He’s watched us deconstruct from time to time and knows how fragile we can become. He understands that we experience moments of
by the faith of others.
Nature is filled with examples declaring the power of two or three amidst attack, injury, or the need to find food. So it is in our human family. God made us to thrive in groups.
There, another wall to consider—staying with a group, singing a duet rather than a solo. This is tricky because groups can be awful. Most of us have considered casting aside the Lego block of church. We were insulted by their words or embarrassed by their ideas. We grew up and grew out of it. And like a pair of high water pants, we left it behind. Or maybe we were asked to leave. Either way, Matthew 18’s words persist. It’s harder to find Jesus alone.
This is how it is with relationships— friendship, marriage, parenting, God, church. They can hurt us so deeply. But we need them so much. Community is elemental. So, we must learn how to risk, whom to trust (not everyone), and gravitate toward one another.
1. Who are the five friends closest to you outside your family members?
2. Who would be surprised to learn they are on your list (you should probably tell them)?
3. Who has recently shown you a picture of Jesus you needed to see (yeah, you should tell them, too)?
We’ve identified significant rebuilding blocks as we sifted through our thinking of the past.
First, there’s Jesus. Every block we handle, every idea considered, if it has anything to do with God, it has Jesus in it. In the New Testament, sure. In the Old Testament? Surprisingly, yes. In nature, our friendships, and in logic, He is everywhere.
And as we assemble the walls built on this firm base, we’re reminded that this is a relationship we’re building. So, this won’t be about capture, conquest, or complete comprehension. We’ll erect the sturdy wall of passionate pursuit. Then we’ll marry it to the wall of freedom fully exercised. This is our choice, purchased by the sacrifice of Christ.
So, what’s next?
I have a recommendation. It grows from Matthew 18:20, which says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” How interesting that Jesus implies there is greater power when faith is shared between two or more people than when carried alone. Maybe He’s watched us deconstruct from time to time and knows how fragile we can become. He understands that we experience moments of
by the faith of others.
Nature is filled with examples declaring the power of two or three amidst attack, injury, or the need to find food. So it is in our human family. God made us to thrive in groups.
There, another wall to consider—staying with a group, singing a duet rather than a solo. This is tricky because groups can be awful. Most of us have considered casting aside the Lego block of church. We were insulted by their words or embarrassed by their ideas. We grew up and grew out of it. And like a pair of high water pants, we left it behind. Or maybe we were asked to leave. Either way, Matthew 18’s words persist. It’s harder to find Jesus alone.
This is how it is with relationships— friendship, marriage, parenting, God, church. They can hurt us so deeply. But we need them so much. Community is elemental. So, we must learn how to risk, whom to trust (not everyone), and gravitate toward one another.
1. Who are the five friends closest to you outside your family members?
2. Who would be surprised to learn they are on your list (you should probably tell them)?
3. Who has recently shown you a picture of Jesus you needed to see (yeah, you should tell them, too)?
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