Are You Sharpen-AbleSample

"Rachel, it’s not about you all the time.”

My sister yelled in frustration. I cringed in shock as she said these words to me.

“Other people have things going on, and you’re so busy talking about what’s going on with you that they can’t even share what’s going on with them."

That stung, but it was true. I was in my 20’s, selfish, and had allowed a difficult season to make me insensitive to the needs of others. I didn’t make time to be present in anyone else’s world but my own. When she said these words, my mind went back to several of our past conversations and how she sat listening, giving advice, but not having the space to share about her struggles. Those words, although difficult to digest, were true.

Had I allowed myself to get lost in the delivery, I would have missed the importance of the message. She needed a listening ear just like I did. I knew when she shared these words, her heart was not to hurt me but rather to create in me an awareness of how my selfishness had made her feel. She was trying to help me become better in my relationships, especially with her. My feelings were hurt for a few days until I accepted that she was right.

When we are sharpening or being sharpened, it is important to consider the heart of the person. When we allow delivery to be the gatekeeper of the gift of truth, we will stifle our growth because not all gifts are delivered in beautiful packages. The gift of salvation is beautiful, but it was packed with the beating, whipping, and hanging of Jesus our Savior. Our freedom was delivered to us on a cross, yet the precious gift of salvation is the best gift we could have ever been given.

This devotional may not be easy to consume, but if you take what you learn and apply it to your daily life, I believe you will experience some of the greatest spiritual growth and maturity of your lifetime.

So let’s grow together and become sharpen-able.

If you enjoyed this reading plan by Rachel G. Scott, you'll love the complementary guided journal she created called,Where to GROW from Here?:A 14-day guided journal to help you grow in your walk with God.Grab your copyHERE.