S.O.S.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

I consider myself a pretty self-sufficient person. I like to solve my own problems. I spend time reflecting on my life, my weaknesses and my strengths. I think about ways to grow and to follow Jesus more faithfully.

Do you see yourself as pretty self-sufficient?

One thing the last twenty-five years of being in Church has convinced me of is that actually, this is a delusion. I need other people desperately. Often in ways I don’t fully realise.

I love time to myself and quiet. But after a while, I notice that I start to turn in on myself. I get more selfish and temptations get stronger. I need people to serve and to give to. Have you ever thought of that?

Another one. I might spend time reflecting and thinking about growth. But I definitely have blind spots. Left to myself - I downplay my weaknesses and inflate my strengths. I miss things because either I just don’t see rightly or don’t want to due to pride. I need people to help me point things out.

Last one. I need sounding boards. I find my best thinking is done out loud with others. Stuff comes out that I probably wouldn’t have considered if it was just me.

I need the Church and I need the Sunday Gathering. And I need it to be a place where I can serve and reflect with others.

Most of all I need people who point me to Jesus in the midst of all this.

For Today:

• Are you tempted to self-sufficiency?
• Do you think you need others?
• How could we make the most of the Sunday Gathering?

Pray: Praise the Father that He is self-sufficient and yet engages with us for His glory. Give thanks for Jesus who relied on the Father and the Spirit for help. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others sharpen each other and grow each other.