Iron Sharpens Iron

In conversation with a dear friend this morning, I was reminded of the proverb:

"As iron sharpens iron,

so one man sharpens another."

~ Proverbs 27:17

Dull tools are of little worth and the cause of much frustration. In the old days--before the Ginsu knife--people frequented cutlery stores to get their knives sharpened. Iron tools are further compromised by rust which collects on blades like carbuncles on a sunken ship.The iron must be scraped away before it causes further corrosion.

Like tools, we people can lose our edge and effectiveness when we refuse to venture beyond our comfort zone. To correct this situation, God could take us on home. But more often than not, he introduces us to someone who sharpens us (sometimes even rubbing us the wrong way!) by causing us to think outside the box.

The best results occur when people discuss issues within the safety net of true friendship. True friends feel free to express their opinions, even contrary ones, knowing that they will be heard and that truth will emerge through the discussion. That's how I felt with my friend this morning.

Do you have a friend who sharpens you?