Power of 10 - Day 36
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
The POWER of 10
Day 36 | GOOD FRIENDS
The POWER of 10
Day 36 | GOOD FRIENDS
GOOD FRIENDS
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Have you ever sharpened a knife? I know that my wife likes to get our kitchen knives professionally sharpened as sharper knives work better and (they say) are actually safer to use.
I remember learning to sharpen our camping knife (which we carried with us) in Boy Scouts. We used a "whetstone" to sharpen it. Back in the day, we applied a little oil (3 in 1 or mineral oil) to the stone and then rubbed the blade edge in small circular movements while holding it at a narrow angle against the stone. Then, you check it periodically, and if you're doing it correctly, you will see the edge start shining, and you can feel the sharpness.
It takes some minor wearing away of the old, worn-out, rugged edge to produce a sharp edge on the knife.
It is also like that with us people. Because we're not yet fully like Jesus, we may develop a “rough edge” or two. Perhaps we fall into a habit that is not appropriate or helpful, kind, loving, concerned, or whatever. The LORD can see, of course, our "rough edge" and might try – through His Word or a sermon or Bible study – to attempt to get the rough edge smoothed out.
Sometimes, though, it takes a little more, and that might be when a good friend suggests that the rough edge needs some work.
Today's verse in Proverbs speaks to that. "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Few people I know ENJOY being told they have a "rough edge" but, when you think about it, it's better to hear from a friend than an enemy… and sooner rather than later so as to not offend or hurt others unknowingly.
Prayer: LORD, thank You for Your plan. Help me to be a good friend to others – as you lead – and help others to help me, too. Amen.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Have you ever sharpened a knife? I know that my wife likes to get our kitchen knives professionally sharpened as sharper knives work better and (they say) are actually safer to use.
I remember learning to sharpen our camping knife (which we carried with us) in Boy Scouts. We used a "whetstone" to sharpen it. Back in the day, we applied a little oil (3 in 1 or mineral oil) to the stone and then rubbed the blade edge in small circular movements while holding it at a narrow angle against the stone. Then, you check it periodically, and if you're doing it correctly, you will see the edge start shining, and you can feel the sharpness.
It takes some minor wearing away of the old, worn-out, rugged edge to produce a sharp edge on the knife.
It is also like that with us people. Because we're not yet fully like Jesus, we may develop a “rough edge” or two. Perhaps we fall into a habit that is not appropriate or helpful, kind, loving, concerned, or whatever. The LORD can see, of course, our "rough edge" and might try – through His Word or a sermon or Bible study – to attempt to get the rough edge smoothed out.
Sometimes, though, it takes a little more, and that might be when a good friend suggests that the rough edge needs some work.
Today's verse in Proverbs speaks to that. "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Few people I know ENJOY being told they have a "rough edge" but, when you think about it, it's better to hear from a friend than an enemy… and sooner rather than later so as to not offend or hurt others unknowingly.
Prayer: LORD, thank You for Your plan. Help me to be a good friend to others – as you lead – and help others to help me, too. Amen.
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