There is a really catchy verse that is thrown around to show you the value of being in community. You have probably heard it before, and it is found in Proverbs 27:17:

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

There are two things we need to realize about this process:

1. For you to grow, you need to be around other people. Athlete, the life of faith was not meant to be done by yourself. You need to be encouraged by other Christians. They need you to encourage them. God created us to be in community because that is where growth takes place.
2. We don’t talk about this part, but it is worth mentioning: You’re an athlete, so you can handle it. Sharpening iron is a violent process. It is loud. Sparks fly. The lesson is simple, community will help you grow, but it may not always be easy.

Sports teaches us a similar lesson. If we want to be more successful, we usually need to be working with other athletes in our sport – challenging each other, competing against each other. It’s hard, but it’s worth it because we come out better on the other end. Athlete, there is a Christian community out there that you need. Are you connected to it? Today would be a good day to start.