Are You Sharp?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iwjtVNNVG4

Cages ~ We the Kingdom

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17

Over the past few weeks, Proverbs 27:17 keeps coming up in my studies. I think people like the idea of this verse, but when it really comes down to it, we shy away from it. The Bible App depicts this verse as an axe head being sharpened by a sharpening stone, with sparks flying from the point of friction. The friction, I believe, is the main reason we tend to steer clear of relationships, or opportunities, that would lend to making us stronger, better, sharper, and more godly versions of ourselves. Friction hurts! 

In a time of easy, quick-fixes to whatever ails us, we don’t want to invest in something that will likely bring discomfort, even if it will help, heal, and/or sharpen us. We then find ourselves in a paradox.

• In opening ourselves up to others, we risk our trust being shattered.

• In removing our masks, putting aside the facade, and coming out of our cages, we risk getting hurt.

• In giving love away, we risk being rejected.

But on the flipside…

• Opening ourselves up to others allows us to be known by them and them by us.

• Removing our masks, putting aside the facade, and coming out of our cages affords us the opportunity for real relationships where intimacy and trust are built.

• Giving love away creates room in our hearts to receive more of God’s love, character, and spiritual fruit.

When we’re not in relationships that, lovingly, challenge us, we will grow dull over time. When we become dull, we tend to withdraw, believing the lie that we’re of no use to others. But when we allow our “dull” selves to be surrounded by and open up to others, the dullness starts getting removed. Then, not only do we become sharper, we also get excited about and seek out others whom we can help sharpen.

The first few steps in anything new are always the hardest, because they involve the greatest risk. But if we want to live Proverbs 27:17 lives, then we must be willing to step outside of ourselves, leave the quick-fixes behind, and get closer to sharpening stones--people who love God, live for Him, and are wanting to invest in you. We need each other!

As iron sharpens iron…

©Heather Potts 2021