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)?