Just
as a file of iron is used to make the iron axe sharp, one person is an
instrument used to sharpen the face of another. (Proverbs 27:17)
King Solomon also gives insight into the
relationships of a healthy community of faith. He explains that people are to
sharpen and improve the effectiveness of each other as they rub against and
challenge each other in relationships each day. This is in sharp contrast with
the way of the world. There, every interaction is framed as a self-serving,
competitive battle in the arena where there must be winners and losers. In
God’s economy, each day’s business can result in benefit to each person.
Do you view your daily interactions as
battles to be won, or do you see those events and activities as opportunities
to find God’s purpose and his will for each of you whom He brings together?
Living with partners; doing business God’s way, means using your relative power
to influence and encourage submission and obedience to the Lord and His will.
It is not to be used as a political lever to be used for leverage to win the
day.
Living with partners in community protects
you from the temptation to manipulate others. Also, a broad, inclusive view of
community encourages you to follow Jesus and His will for each relationship to
which he leads you.
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