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.