Walking With Christ

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.(ESV)

Each of us serves a role in the lives of others. We sharpen each other and equip each other through accountability, encouragement, and correction.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.(ESV)

Building each other up is crucial. We will not thrive without mutual encouragement and support.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (9)Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. (10)For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!(ESV)

We are not meant to be alone. Community is essential. We are called to support one another.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (12)For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. (13)For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (14)For the body does not consist of one member but of many.(ESV)

Just as the body of Christ is made up of many members, each fulfilling their unique role, each of us plays a part in supporting one another in our spiritual battles.

Ephesians 6:10-17 (10)Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (11)Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (12)For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (13)Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (14)Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (15)and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (16)In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; (17)and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,(ESV)

Roman soldiers were given their armor. It was up to them to maintain it. A failure in the armor of one soldier could cause a weakness to be exposed to the enemy that would or could potentially get many more soldiers killed or injured. Each soldier was responsible for their own armor, but it was always a best practice to make sure that your neighbor had maintained their armor as well. One soldier might not be great at sharpening their sword while another could put a fine edge on the sword but was lacking in shield maintenance. Where one soldier was lacking, another soldier would lift them up for the good of all.

We, as Christians, have to choose to put on the armor. We also have to maintain the armor. We may not be gifted in the maintenance of some pieces of armor. We need help in those areas. We will be gifted in maintenance and use of other pieces of armor.

Have you maintained your armor today? Have you checked on your buddies, friends, and family to make sure they have maintained theirs?