This morning I felt led to read from Proverbs, which I rarely read anymore, even though I greatly enjoy them. Specifically I was led to Proverbs 27:17 NIV: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This is a verse that was used in a men's movement called Promise Keepers, and it birthed a significant move among men to establish accountability and men's groups. It was a very good thing, in my opinion.
This weekend, I was having breakfast with a couple of very good friends, and we were talking about our churches, and the purpose and calling of the individual churches, and how we were involved. All of us, though seasoned and mature Christians, were a bit hesitant to get too involved, as the needs of the churches would quickly overwhelm our free-time, and our ability to do the things we need to do. Each of our churches were relatively small and have numerous opportunities to serve, and each of those opportunities were important and good, and would make a difference, but that would just be the door to more and more. We saw in our places the need for more brothers and sisters of character and maturity, who could help bear the weight of vision and mission of the churches, but in all of our scenarios, there were not enough people.
This got us talking about discipleship, and the raising up of leaders, and regular people of character, not just people with gifts. I make that distinction because we have seen places that focus more on the giftings, than they do on the raising up, establishing and developing character (discipleship). Which brings me back to the verse this morning, "iron sharpening iron". Discipleship is accomplished best in small groups, where relationships are solid, trust is evident, and lives are open. Discipleship doesn't just happen, it actually involves a process of formation and training up. We see in the Gospels an outline of what Jesus did, calling the apostles to follow Him, to learn from Him, and then ultimately representing Him. They went from a mixed group of guys to being world changers.
As we were discussing this topic, words came out of my mouth that hit me pretty hard. I said something like the following, "church isn't about getting together and having a good worship and praise session and then a good sermon, church is about changing the world."
As I reflect on that statement, I see in my own life the importance of being more intentional. I have several good long-term relationships, but I would say that I am not involved with real discipleship. I have had the blessing of being part of a church group that worked hard to establish a foundation, and small groups that were the foundation for real discipleship. Iron sharpening Iron is a good analogy, although I would like to upgrade that to steel sharpening steel, for it takes steel that has gone through fire to make it able to sharpen other steel. The fire, applied correctly, changes the character of the steel, makes is hardened and allows it to become useful in sharpening other non-hardened metal.
I am reminded of verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, where he talks about helping the believers mature. He speaks about the role of the ministries that Jesus put in place, in the raising up and maturing the body for works of ministry, which brings me back to our conversation over breakfast. Here are the verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV:
[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of (ministry) service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
[14] "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
If we look closely at these verses, we find a framework for what Jesus put in place for the maturing of His Body, the church. This is not optional, this is Jesus' plan, and His method. We need the apostles, the Vision Casters, we need the Prophetic, the encouragers, we need the evangelists, the proclaimers and invitation specialists, we need the pastors, those who specialize in growing healthy, and we need the teachers, those that can help us understand God's word and how to apply it to our life! These will provide the method and opportunities for equipping His people (those Jesus called) for works of ministry. I am not talking about professional ministry, but relational ministry, body ministry, discipleship and living connected lives. This helps establish maturity in the body, and these days maturity is critically needed.
I go back to the great commission that Jesus gave us found in Matthew 28:18-20 NIV:
[18] "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We are called to make disciples, not congregational observers! We are called to change the world!
This morning I am encouraged to start praying for opportunities for discipleship. I am encouraged that this isn't an optional extra. I am encouraged that God has plans and purposes for me, and I want to be mature enough to finish well.
Amen and Amen!
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