We Need Each Other

Ethan and I after running the Turkey Trot year before last. He has gotten a little taller since then.

A while back, Ethan and I started running together. Later we began working out together at our local YMCA. And I gotta say, we work well together. Without each other, neither of us would be where we are. You see, Ethan and I both have difficulties in working out. Ethan has a problem with mornings. Well, he probably wouldn't mind them if they started at like noon. So it works well that I make sure he is awake for workouts. I have my own struggle as well. I tend not to push myself. I hold back. But Ethan? He pushes it. Just this morning, he led me to add ten pounds to a lift. It might have been the male competitive spirit or something, but because he pushed himself, I stepped up too. So I get him up, and he pushes me forward.

We need each other in life. You and I have weaknesses and blind spots, and we need people who will help us see and deal with those areas. We also need to be in the lives of others, challenging them to grow and make progress in the faith. Without others, we will drift. The author of Hebrews says:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

This speaks to our need to be in the lives of others, so that they will not drift from the faith. But we must be aware even of our own tendency towards drift. Again, the author of Hebrews nails it: 

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:12-14 ESV)

You and I are prone to drift. Sin is deceitful and blinds us to the reality of our condition. That's why we need people speaking into our lives and challenging us to keep pressing on. The Christian life is meant to be lived with others. Alone we cannot do it. We need people building into us and we need to be building into others. That's how we grow as followers of Christ. 

Who is building into you?

Who are you building into?