“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” Prov. 27:17 (NIV)
Have you ever tried to cut wood with a blunt axe? It’s hard work. You sweat and toil and blister your hands for very little progress. Life is much the same, we often struggle and work without making much progress. One effective way that God uses to help make us sharper and more effective are other people.
There are people after whom I spend time with, I feel sharper, better for having being with them. Spending time with people like this is like a sharpening stone coming in contact with a blade, the knife is left sharper.
Some people radiate the presence, love and power of God. They instinctively know the right word to say or the right thing to do at just the right time. They are able to provide God-given words about a specific issue, words of encouragement or words of challenge. People who provide practical help, companionship and a listening ear just when we need it all help to keep us sharp.
We all have a responsibility to sharpen each other. Pray that God will give you wisdom and direction today to help you be ‘sharpened’ and to ‘sharpen’ those around you.