Stand Strong With Brothers

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17

IN THE 1940S, Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, came across a drawing of an older youth carrying a younger boy on his back. The caption read, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” Flanagan thought that it so perfectly illustrated what his ministry did that he commissioned a sculpture of the drawing that still stands on the Boys Town campus in Omaha.

In 1969, songwriters Bobby Scott and Bob Russell turned the phrase into a popular ballad, and the Hollies turned “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” into a big hit.

As brothers in Christ, it is important that we encourage one another, challenge one another, and help one another stand strong when the ways of the world counter our faith. How do we do that? One way is to make ourselves accountable to a friend or a small group and to have appointed times—weekly is a good plan—when we ask each other hard questions. Some examples: How much time have you spent studying the Bible this week? In prayer? How have you treated your wife this week? (Would she answer this question the same way?) What have you said or done this week for which you need to apologize? What are you believing about God right now? What are you believing about yourself? It may not be easy to answer these kinds of questions, but it’s worth the effort.

BOTTOM LINE

Find a brother or two who will meet with you weekly—and agree never to shy away from the hard questions. Sharpen each other as followers of Jesus.

Moment of Strength: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13