Sharpened by the LORD

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

Proverbs 27:17

There were many kinds of iron implements that benefited from sharpening in Solomon's day.  When it comes to knives, swords and weapons of war, one thing is common between them all:  no cutting weapon or tool is sharpened in the sheath.  The cutting blade needed to be drawn and exposed before it could effectively be drawn against another to remove burs and hone the edge.  This is true concerning Christian fellowship and friendship.  There must be a willingness to expose our thoughts, concerns, delights and feelings in person with one another for the sharpening Solomon talked about to occur.

Having two swords or knives in close proximity to one another does not prevent them from rusting.  It is from the friction of the blades dragging upon the other that provides a sharper cutting edge on both of them.  One thing I love about this analogy is the iron that is sharpening iron is being handled by someone other than the swords themselves.  A sword is not capable of moving itself any more than a shovel can dig a hole or an axe can fell a tree by leaning up against it.  These tools are wielded by the worker, and all of God's people are held and utilised by Him for His good purposes.

A problem arises in Christian fellowship when we find others abrasive or difficult and take it personally--as if they are an enemy when God is able to use them wisely just as they are.  For all of our faults, blind spots, foolish assumptions, and proud imaginations, God is not in any way hindered from using us to sharpen one another.  The sharpening of our countenance--the quickening of our minds, clarifying our perspectives and refining our character--is one of God's purposes in our interactions and fellowship with believers.  Both blades benefit from the friction required to further change us by teaching us to humble ourselves, listen to others and consider others as more important than me, myself and I.

A warrior does not sharpen a sword to hang it on his wall as a trophy, nor does a woodcutter sharpen the axe to conceal it in a leather cover.  This sharpening, tiring and repetitive as it might be, is not the main job or end:  these iron implements are sharpened so the sword will perform best in combat and to fell trees in fewer strokes with less effort.  Our communication and friendship with others works to make us more effective in being godly witnesses for Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church or when we are not around our best friends.  God is doing a marvellous work as we gather with the brethren, and the work He does is our small circle prepares us for labour of greater scope and eternal consequence.  In our gathering with family in Christ (who are our true friends), let us ensure by faith in the LORD and commitment to one another we cultivate opportunities for sharpening we all need to better do the labour God intends to do through us.