IRON SHARPENS IRON - PART 3

THURSDAY 05 DECEMBER 2024

Whatever represents the upgrading, improving, enhancing and reconditioning activities of a godly friendship, which we may regard as true and noble, I can always consider it as "iron sharpens iron." More below!

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

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

When like-minded people in the right association socially mix with one another, there is always an evidence that reveals a fusion of thoughtful observations, conceptual intermix, and insightful intelligence, resulting from the process of mental upgrade, which in turn, positions them to interweave their cognitive skills and functioning abilities - from an increased or significant level of maturity. This always leads to a progressive access to positive experiential possibilities while dealing with personal concerns, and an inspired energy to forge ahead with a pinpoint accuracy of moral decision-making and a dedicated behavioural excellence.

Philippians 2:4 reads "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (ESV). The instructive and edifying benefit embedded in this versified statement is what is rightly obtainable and easily attainable when you mingle with the right association. They look to each other's interests, an ethical attitude or value which is markedly positive in their connections with the external world.

A friend who sharpens another friend in the Kingdom of light - has a brilliant attitude and pragmatic ethics rooted in heavenly-based values. His contemplations and cogitative advantages are based on a true and deep understanding of the Word. Why so? The Word of God is the best sharpener. To instantiate this verity, Hebraic awakening indication numbered as Hebrews 4:12 reads, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (KJV). The Word is the right iron that serves as a sharpener in the mouth of a godly friend. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and more. Got it?

Zero wonder Colossians 3:16 reads, "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts" (NLT). When you have a friend who is grounded in the Word and rightly divides it, you have the right and all-important friend, and that is a sufficient foundation on which to build a notable relationship, because through the Word, such a person can help you reach the zenith of wisdom from above, which is clearly based on an understanding of what is eternal, of what is of paramount importance in a Christian lifestyle, as well as the know-how to engaging a profound sense of the oneness of mind we have in Christ. To that effect, 2nd Corinthians 13:11 reads, "Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you" (NIV).

Such a friend will definitely help you to advance in the things of the Spirit, such that you'll keep experiencing the unfolding of the supernatural life in you. Many wise people in any godly association have a history of spurring each other on to love and good deeds, an action rooted in the notion of receiving the promised blessings - in accordance with the glorious gospel, especially the blessing of being steadily transformed in conformity with the image of Christ, through consecration, cogitation or contemplative piety, effective prayer life, and related godly practices. To that effect, Hebrews 10:24-25 reads, "Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches" (VOICE). Stay tuned for part 4. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Romans 12:2; Hebrews 10:24; Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 19:15.

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for my association with the right friends, with the right motives and the right perspectives, who are capable of influencing my life's affairs and events in a positive way, such that I constantly experience the inevitability of supernatural grace and favour, in Jesus' Name, Amen!