"Return The Favor" by Kirk Hunt

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17 KJV

I faced my fellow karate student. He tried his best to punch me. Out of courtesy, I tried my best to punch him back. After our attempts to strike each other, we bowed and said “thank you.”

The ritual and intensity of ippon kumite, also called “one-time attack,” is an important training exercise for karate students. Ritual and courtesy train the mind. Practicing attacks and blocks (and occasionally getting hit) trains the body. Boxing, fencing and wrestling have similar drills and exercises.

My fellow students were helping me to develop my skills and abilities. I tried my best to hone theirs. The practice floor is where we prepare for the real streets.

Who is stretching your understanding of Scripture? Is someone challenging you to work harder and better for God's Kingdom? Do you return the courtesy?

Are you content where you are in God? The strongest saints are always reaching for more. The best among us are constantly struggling to reach a deeper place in Him.

On the practice floor of Bible study Christians prepare for the streets of the real world. The fellow student asking probing questions and speaking uncomfortable truths is doing you a favor. Out of courtesy, do the same for him or her.

Think: The Christian walk requires constant training in Scripture and God's truth.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be faithful Bible study.”

Copyright © October 2008, Kirk Hunt