Remain Sharpened

March 14, 2021

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

~Proverbs 27:17~

In the process of sharpening a knife or a sword we are refining a sharp edge to an appropriate shape on a tool or implement designed for cutting or piercing. Sharpening is done by grinding away material on the tool with another abrasive substance harder than the tool itself; such as two different alloys of iron. When we take a look at this brilliant proverb we can see the message within it from our Father as He asks His children of faith to sharpen eachother; to become more like Christ each day. "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24)

It is so important to sharpen eachother in word and in action. With eachother we can grow closer in spirit and in truth. The Lord has given us His body and as parts of His body we are to take care of each member. Within our fellowship with other believers we need to be available to be there to sharpen or to be sharpened. Sometimes we are the ones needing assistance or advice and we must be able to receive that in love. "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ."(Ephesians 4:15)

When iron sharpens iron both pieces will begin to change form. We can have great joy as we encourage eachother, strengthen eachother and allow the light of Christ to shine throughout our freshly polished form.

There is a reason Jesus sent out His disciples two by two. "And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits."

(Mark 6:7)

We need support for eachother, we need help within eachother and we need to be able to lift one up when one falls or slips. What an amazing gift it is when we have brothers and sisters willing to bear one anothers burdens just as Paul recommended. "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

This means we are willing to put our own issues aside and begin to take hold of our brother or sister in Christ and help them be strengthened; sharpened with the word of God, the love of God and the actions of God. For Jesus bore our infirmities and sins for us, therefore we are called to lift one another up just as He lifted us up. "and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

(Ephesians 2:6)

When we are in need of sharpening we will get the best results from those who are strong in the faith as well; as iron sharpens iron. When we are strong enough we can then go out to help the ones who need salvation to see the polished, strong and loving form of Jesus Christ. We must remain sharpened and able to. Just like it is important to maintain knives consistently, it is equally as important to maintain our faith in strength consistently, this way when the day of battle arrives we are ready to fight for Christ and for His children. We are so blessed to have eachother. God loves all of His children and loves unity. He knows the importance of it, so much that He chose for Himself twelve disciples as He began His ministry on earth; "Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases." (Luke 9:1)

Jesus proceeded to remain sharpened in His own ways to fulfill the will of God.

He asked them to borrow a donkey for His triumphal entry; "saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me."

(Matthew 21:2)

He broke bread with them before His betrayal; "and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”(I Corinthians 11:24)

He asked them to pray with Him; "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

(Mark 14:38)

Jesus used His disciples as a sharpening for His own call to the cross; even as the Son of God He knew the importance of dear friends sticking close. "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

Let us be in fellowship with one another, encourage eachother, speak in truth, lift one up with the word of God, instruct, support and sharpen ones understanding of His love.

Let us take the advice of Jesus; "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

(Matthew 22:39)

If we have time to strengthen ourself each day in God's word, we definitely have time to do so for our brothers and our sisters. It is what we are called to do as His Body. We will begin to unite in ways we never imagined. The army will grow stronger and our swords will remain sharpened for the upcoming spiritual battle Christ called us into.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

(Ephesians 6:13)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for taking on flesh and coming to this earth to be tempted in all ways we can be tempted, to understand the importance of having support as You walked this earth. Your lessons fill me and strengthen me to know I am made for fellowship. I declare that I shall sharpen my brothers and sisters as iron sharpens iron. Show me what I can do to be of the most help to sharpen my dear friends faith each day. Give me the words to speak Holy Spirit as You place people in front of me needing assistance. Help me to also receive advice from faithful men and women of God so I too can remain sharpened. I want to give my entire self to the calling You have on my life with strength and shine. Let the light of Jesus grow within me. I vow to watch and pray, for I know my flesh is weak. I speak life and blessings over my dear brothers and sisters in Christ all throughout this world, I pray they are remaining sharpened by someone near by, preparing their sword for battle. Praises be to You for giving me others to have fellowship with, it is a true gift that I will never take for granted. Let Your Name be glorified today Jesus in all You send me out to do. In that strong Name of my King I pray, as I receive divine strength and courage today, Jesus Christ. Amen.