Friendly Competition

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”  Proverbs 27:17

The Intrasquad meet brings out the intense edge of the competitive nature within the men and women of Shocker Track and Field. From the night of the draft to the last ball juggled, that unique competitive spirit permeates the atmosphere with expectancy. 

It is exciting to watch the friendly competition in each of the events as we see “iron sharpening iron”.  Each athlete performing at their absolute best as they come up against their friendly foes.  One can see the competitive juices popping like a juicy Starburst.

This concept of “iron sharpening iron” can’t happen with just one tool. One tool cannot become sharper without the presence of another.  Left isolated, both blades would be dull and useless. This simple proverb leads us to an important biblical principle. God expects us to live and serve in a community of other believers and to build loving and growing relationships with others.

“…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13

Sharpening one another or helping someone else improve their effectiveness requires a positive relationship.  Just as competition drives us to our best, encouraging one another brings the body of Christ to optimum performance.

The process of helping someone else improve their effectiveness requires a positive relationship. There are times when that process involves Godly advice or constructive criticism.  When we receive such from those we know that care about us, it is much easier to accept.

This is why it is so important for us to build growing relationships with other believers. We all need people who can help us rub off the hard edges and who honestly have our best interests in mind. We all need sharpening conversations with people who care and have a genuine interest in helping us improve.

Please, let me pray with you.  “Father, you have created us with an innate sense to grow, to move forward.  From crawling to walking to running and jumping. Help us to find others who have a desire to move forward in their walk with you.  Help us to deepen our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ who will help in sharpening us to optimum effectiveness in your Kingdom.”

Keep encouraging one another!

Larry