be especially good/iron sharpening iron

This morning (er...that morning, it's been a while) my roommate and I went running and were pleased to see the police academy students at the track. In particular, this morning I started paying close attention to how they treated one another. I was amazed to see how they worked together and pushed one another to succeed and grow. At one point, I saw one of the men pushing himself beyond what was simply asked of him in order to help and push one of his classmates. This man was running nearly twice as hard as he needed to! As I watched, I was so inspired and touched by this simple act that exemplified many of the qualities that we in God's household exhibit as we walk faithfully with the Love of God.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Just like those students, we can help each other get stronger and go further. Strength builds strength within the household and within families and within any group of people. Proverbs 27:17

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

In the household especially, we give to one another and serve one another to build each other up and add to the strength of the body of Christ. These verses are within the context of Jesus Christ talking with his disciples and answering their question of who among them would be the greatest. Matthew 23:11-12

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

We don't vaunt ourselves up or focus on ourselves when others have needs. When we live life on the give, God gives back to us, and the household is stronger! We get bless and so do those around us! There is no downside to giving.

I often joke about how my roommate kicks my butt when we're exercising, but I've always been thankful for it ( a fact that I tell her often). We are members in particular, and God gave us specific functions in the body to serve, yes, but He also gave us those functions to help raise each other up and to add to the body's overall strength.

Ephesians 4:7-8, 12-15

 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men... For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

We function for the perfecting or maturing of the saints! We have no reason to ever not grow as we stay in the household and in fellowship with the Father because we can push ourselves and each other.
THAT'S SO COOL!