Deep Dive 14Sample

Everywhere we turn, we find all sorts of advice on how to live a happier, healthier life. Here are a few recent suggestions from magazines, websites, etc.: \- Take time to be silly at least 5 minutes everyday to reduce stress \- Exercise outdoors for at least 10 minutes everyday to improve self-esteem \- Nap for 15 minutes a day to feel rejuvenated and be more productive \- Go to church once a year to keep a clean conscience - what??? The last one wasn't actually written anywhere, but a lot of people think it's true. The problem is, this couldn't be further from the truth. God created us with a need for others to encourage us, love on us, and just live life with us. This type of community can be found in church, but not if we only go once a year. The book of Proverbs in the Bible is a lot like the list above - it's a book full of tidbits of advice about how to live a happier, healthier life. It's known as the wisdom book. Today's reading comes from that book. Make sure you read verse 17 a few times. It says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." As believers, we can spur each other on to be who God created us to be, and to live as he designed us to live. What are some ways that you could "sharpen" someone today? How could you "sharpen" others by being an active part of a local church?