Video: The best version of you is found in the context of relationships...

Looking at others transforms us into (their and) the image of the Christ we reveal.  

In fact, Solomon says it clearly (Proverbs 27:17):

As iron sharpens iron, so the countenance of one man sharpens another.

A countenance is “face.” That is, the face of others— up close and personal— has the power to change us. 

One author said it well: “The person you are in five years is the sum total of the books you read and the five people with whom you spend the most time.”

It’s not that social media and online interaction is bad…

… it’s just that, well, it’s lacking…

Paul wrote about longing to go to Rome— so he could “impart something to them” face to face (Romans 1:11-12). Presumably, if he could have given it to them, whatever it was, via pen and parchment, he would have.

Later, to the Thessalonians he wrote much the same thing: 

“I want to come see you face to face so I can supply what’s lacking in your faith.”

Then… even John wrote and added that being in person, connected to people, somehow made his joy “complete” (2 John 12).

When I was in high school a youth minister of mine repeatedly reminded us: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”

One of the most powerful things you can do for your overall health is to find a group of people who will journey with you. 

Now, I don’t mean a group of “fans” (one-way relationships with people who look up to you and endorse everything you do) or “acquaintances” (surface level relationships that don’t have the relational weight to carry tough conversations) but— rather— truly deep friendships. 

The kind the Bible describes. The ones who sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17). The ones who can tell you what you don’t want to hear that you desperately need to hear (Proverbs 27:6). 

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