Some of the earth's most cherished natural elements come in the form of silver, gold, diamonds, precious metals and gemstones of many varieties. All of these can teach us by their elemental design; from their beginning roughness to the end beauty, how to become more like the 'Master Designer'.One such element is Iron.
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17
Have you ever been involved in an “intense time of fellowship” with another brother or sister in Christ? I remember being concerned about whether or not this was a healthy pastime. There was one friend in particular that I seemed to butt heads often with on different topics. When we asked our pastor about this, he calmly told us that when iron and iron make contact, it causes friction, sparks and heat. It is not a smooth, calm or comfortable process that brings about a sharpening. Same goes for relationships. When we get into heated conversations or debates with others it is because we already have strong, pre-existing ideals. The stronger, more deeply rooted the ideal, the greater the conflict. With like metals, when these two surfaces come in contact with each other they generate friction, the harder and duller the surface of the metal, the greater the friction necessary to accomplish the end result. When the metals reach their peak sharpness, an amazing phenomenon takes place when they come together again; a pure, crystal clear ring can be heard. Likewise, when God’s children reach the peak point of sharpness in their relationships with each other, the most beautiful sounds to God’s ears can be heard; the ring of true brotherly love.
A Note of Caution:
Be sure the metals you wish to sharpen are of equal quality. If one is like hard steel and the other like a soft gold; the soft will be destroyed and the hard will continue to be dull.
Be careful of the one you sharpen yourself on.
Remember!
The one you are sharpening is suppose to be your friend!
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