Olympic Christian Friendships

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Eyes from all over the world watched the swimming competition at the Olympics.  Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte appear to be friends out of the pool and the fiercest of competitors in the swimming pool.  Phelps came in fourth place, and Ryan took the gold.  Many of the reporters commented on their relationship and how neither would have been as strong of a swimmer if they had not had the other swimmer with whom they could compete.  Similar comments are being made about two American young female athletes in gymnastics. The athletes need each other for supportive friendship and to spur each other in their sport.  In both stories, the athletes who are friends have very different personalities.  They share a common goal, however, and each fuel the other to do his or her best.

As Christians, we need to search for those very close friends who will encourage us in our Christian walk.  They don’t have to be just like us, but they do have to share the common goal of being wholly God’s.  These rare friends can encourage and understand us and spur us onward when we need a “push.”  I am so thankful for my opportunity to meet with close Christian friends to sharpen my own understanding of God and His plan for me.

Dear God, please lead us to friends who share our love for You.  Please give us opportunities to share time together and to sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron.  Remind us, God, that we are not alone on Earth.  You are here and sent us Christian brothers and sisters to challenge and encourage us.  Thank you, God, for my friends who sharpen me like iron sharpens iron.  Amen.

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