REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on December 21, 2014. He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Be Good at Sharpening”
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Have you ever tried cutting something with a dull blade (i.e., vegetables, paper)? If you have, you probably understand the frustration it can bring; and an unsharpened blade becomes useless and is eventually thrown away. Just as only a sharpened blade is most effective, this proverb states that when it comes to relationships, it becomes most meaningful when we sharpen one another.
This proverb is one of the best-known and often-quoted verses in the book. The rubbing of iron against iron produces a sharp edge, so should the purpose of our friendships (relationships). There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task to cut and slice. But what are we exactly sharpening one another for?
In the context of the book of Proverbs, it probably means mutual instruction in areas of wisdom and godly living, which is the way to maturity. It points to the fact that sharpening one another involves being integrated into a community – specifically deep, Christ-centered relationships. This verse also implies that our relationships in Christ should go beyond just the superficial; but rather they should strive to make each other godlier through encouragement and rebuke.
Take some time and pray for your relationships that you currently have. Ask the Lord that it would go beyond just fun, sports and hangouts, but that they would “sharpen one another” for Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the friendships that you have placed in my life. May these relationships strive to sharpen each other towards greater godliness and wisdom. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 20