Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
There is a popular idiom that says, “He’s lost his edge.” What is meant is that someone was once the best and has diminished in some way. This can happen to anyone. I suspect it has been happening as long as people have dwelt on the earth.
As Solomon spoke the proverb that we see in our text today, I imagine he had observed the same thing. Sometimes, men can fall a step behind in life. They grow comfortable, complacent, apathetic, or dull. No one sets out to be that way, but life has a way of slowly but surely dulling the fine edge that we are meant to have.
This is true in athletics, in business, in relationships, and, yes, in spiritual matters as well. Therefore, sharpening is required if we are to hold our edge. Notice that it is not circumstance of life that are used to sharpen us, but other men. People help people remain sharp. Isolation permits us to dull, but regular interaction promotes a razor-sharp edge.
This kind of sharpening requires time. It involves friction. It demands intentionality. I think that the Lord intended for church community to be a laboratory of sharpening. He expected that when people came together, there would be encouragement, accountability, confrontation, and consolation. What’s true is we were intended to be sharp, and isolation makes us dull.
If you feel like you’re losing your edge, check your commitment to community. If it is lacking, the solution is clear. If you examine your blade and you are sharp, consider who in your circle is growing dull. Drawn near to them and ask God to allow you to be the sharpening stone in their lives. As you do, you both win. As iron sharpens iron, so ONE MAN sharpens ANOTHER.
Originally published on April 30, 2021 as part of the E-Connect Devotion Series.
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