As Iron Sharpens Iron

Good morning! I look at this greeting on this Monday, as a declaration for today. Today WILL be a good day! Let's make it so!

Iron sharpens iron. Immediately I get this not so warm image of cold steel being rubbed together. ..sharp steel. It makes a loud high pitched scraping sound…. and my mind's ear wants it to stop….but it's the result of the sharpened iron….the masterpiece, that makes the image and sound bearable.

As I mute the incredibly annoying sound from my mind I think of just what this scripture means.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17 NKJV

My friends sharpen me, I sharpen them. When iron is sharpened by iron, it's effectiveness increases.

I am not one who aspires to be the "life of the party". In fact I have very few close relationships when it comes to true friends. I have MANY acquaintances, but few "ride or die" friends if you may. Why? I actually prefer it that way.

In my adult years I have learned the value of relationships...true, meaningful, no agenda based, relationships. Although it isn't always clear who exactly is there to sharpen at the beginning… over time...God is always faithful to reveal and remove the relationships meant to harm if He deems it necessary. Iron sharpens iron.

Who we surround oursleves with and let speak into our lives will most likely set the trajectory of the path we wander in life.

Many of us have those friends in our inner circle who are our iron sharpeners and who we in turn are called to sharpen. As a matter of fact, I am sure as you read this your mind can immediately identify who those people are. They may have prayed you through a difficult situation, or ministered to you when you needed it most...your iron sharpeners….They cover and correct, chastise and love unconditionally, they are the ones who sugar-coat NOTHING..and you are better for it.

These are the relationships, friendships, etc., we need whether we like it are not.

You see these ones are the reason we evolve and grow, these ones are exactly what we need when we don’t want to need anyone. These ones are very often directly God sent and designated soley for our sharpening.

Today, take the time to think about, cherish, speak life into, and pray for your friends who help you consistently develop your effectiveness in life, the marketplace, and in the kingdom.

Remember to ALWAYS purpose in ALL your close relationships, friendships, etc., to be the iron that sharpens another.

Selah

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