And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

In the lead up to a new season, or following recovery from an injury, you often hear athletes being described as ‘not match-fit’, or ‘not race-ready.’

Not being a professional athlete and watching from a distance it’s a difficult thing to understand – they look fit and healthy and are training like the rest of their teammates. Surely they’re ready, right?

What elite sportspeople and their coaches understand is the difference between performing well in training and performing well under pressure in the heat of competition. Someone may look ready, but in reality they need a few games with their team, or against the competition, to really fine-tune their skills and work collectively.

The same is true for each of us in life. We need to be in community, to go through life with our ‘team’ to be at our best.

Solomon put it this way in Proverbs 27:17, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’

We need to share and do life together, especially as the burdens and stresses of life increase, so that we can withstand the trials, support each other and be at our best to serve God.

It’s no wonder then that Paul’s encouragement in Hebrews rings so true.

Lord, thank You for putting people in my life that make me a better person. Help me do the same for others. Amen.

P.S. Together, we can work together so that people can experience life as God intended. To donate, go to adra.org.au/donate or call 1800 242 372