IRON SHARPENS IRON - PART 1

TUESDAY 03 DECEMBER 2024

Reference: Proverbs 27:17 New Living Translation (NLT)

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

The idea contained in the above versified reference is that of dedicated and forward-thinking associations. We are to dedicate ourselves to meaningful associations that add advantageous value to the quality of life we ought to live. And that is to say that there is this clear distinction between a rewarding association and a foolish one.

In the general affairs of humanity, those in a friendly association may have all kinds of knowledge to bring to the table, but the question is: What sort or calibre of people are there in your association? What manner of effects are they made of? On a more serious note, are they in the business of offering divine wisdom on any matter, subject or situation under consideration, or are they just people of trivial importance? Are their mental contributions and suggestions conducive to a favourable outcome? Do they have the capacity to instill a positive influence on your character development, and on your mindset?

When we decide to come together as friends to discuss life's issues, many minds may come up with manifold suggestions along the way. If those minds are not heavenly minded and intellectually stimulating, we may follow what the ordinary mind suggests subconsciously. So when the Bible says, "as iron sharpens iron", it denotes that a friend who sharpens another friend in any kind of relational friendship initiates the possibility of ideas that is rooted in transfiguring discussions, and especially, it implies an association that takes the form of godly influences - with your enlivened energy and focal power consciously directed towards exploring and engaging God's perspective as a way of upholding and sustaining the issues of life.

A godly association is admirably sure to strengthen our Christian faith, such that we cannot stagger in the things of the Spirit, because it is characterized by the interest of acquiring transformative information, indicating that the scenes of this type of association could more effectively evoke a person's sense of curiosity or fascination, enabling anyone involved to gain more virtue and to actively realize what is of beneficial value in life, thereby becoming wiser - as they rest on the effortless assurance of paying attention to such rewarding conversations.

Imagine having a long walk with a wise person in a nearby park. You are sure that the pattern of any discussion held with such an individual can solve problems, generate progression in clear thinking, and promote your well-being. Why so? A wise person's communication can offer an advanced state of extraordinary knowledge that capitalises or focuses on any aspect of personal development, because their wisdom will inspire the right perspectives, values, and confidence in other people's belief system. When you draw on the true meaning and significance of the information they share with you, your spiritual discernment and intellectual intelligence will be improved upon, such that you are conditioned to get wiser. Zero wonder, Solomonic inspired utterance reads, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20 ESV).

More so, Pauline epistolary expression numbered as 1st Corinthians 2:6 reads, "Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten" (NLT).The wisdom of God conveys a profound understanding of our spiritual existence, which is applicable to any human situation, such that it enhances our divine and natural possibilities, and empowers us to transcend limitations. 

Another Pauline epistolary expression reads, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5 KJV). In another way, there is a mindset that is in Christ Jesus, and there are other sorts of mindedness that are entirely different from the mind of Christ. When the sense of this mind of Christ is strong upon you, you'll definitely influence and sharpen those you come in contact with, from a relational standpoint that delivers a lasting change.

In a more decent manner, the conversations mostly held in any Christian association should be deemed noble and acceptable in God's sight, otherwise it implies that it is bound to be insubstantial in relation to godly influence. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 15:14; Hebrews 10:24; 2 Timothy 2:2.

Exuberant Declaration:

Nothing of great value is too much for wisdom to offer, and I always expect to receive the best from the right association and also function as a means of relational blessing to others, which in turn, empower me to effectively deal with life's situations. Blessed be God!