As I look back on those three years I lived with these fabulous females I realise that their gifts and diligence in serving God rubbed off on me.

Proverbs 27:1-27

Reference:  v.17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Before I got married I lived in a house with a few other girls.  Although we called it ‘The Cubby’ it was actually a huge house in the outer suburbs.  It was the first time, since leaving home, that I had lived with Christians and each of us played a different role in our respective churches.  One had the gift of creativity and teaching, another had the gift of music and encouragement, and still another had the gift of hospitality and compassion.  As I look back on those three years I lived with these fabulous females I realise that their gifts and diligence in serving God rubbed off on me.  Every time I start something new I wonder how Penny would have creatively communicated it.  Every time I gather a group of people together I wonder how Gaylene would have made them feel welcome.  Every time someone is in need I wonder how Fiona would have cared for them.  Each of my housemates rubbed off on me in a different way and helped to make me a better person.

Application:  The people we surround ourselves with makes a big difference in how we learn, grow and develop.  I did not move in with my old housemates to strategically learn from them.  In the beginning they were just a group of friendly, hilarious girls who needed an extra person to help cover rent.  However, the longer I lived there the more I realised how supportive and nurturing they were.  Sometimes you may find yourself in a similar place to me, where you are surrounded by good quality people.  It’s in those times that you learn all you can and become open to growing more.  However, sometimes you may find yourself surrounded by people who only tear you down and place a great burden upon you.  It’s in those times that you need to find a strong support network and place yourself in other spheres that encourage you and build you up.  When we associate ourselves with others it’s not just about the time we spend with them in person, but the impact they have on us long term.  The people we are surrounded by will rub off on us, it’s up to us to discern whether that is a positive thing or not.

Prayer:  Lord, it is important for us to help those in need.  However we also know that we need to have the support and encouragement to continue on the work for You.  Open our eyes to those places of restoration.  Amen.

Who are the people that are rubbing off on you?  Are you in a good place or do you need to find some more positive people to be around?