21 Days to Sweeter FriendshipsSample

Iron That Sharpens

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17, ESV

Have you been on this earth long enough to remember the old pencil sharpeners that required you to turn a little crank to sharpen your pencil? It was usually attached to the front wall or the blackboard in the classroom. Some students forever turned that little handle and sharpened their pencils, allowing the metal to rub away the rough edges. I mean, no one likes a dull pencil. We all loved to have pencils with super sharp edges and a fine pointed lead tip.

Similarly, the Bible tells us that some friends can be like in our lives. They can sharpen our dull edges, press us to be more alert, and challenge us to be better individuals.

Do you have any friends like this?

• Friends like iron that sharpens your iron.
• Those who press you higher and encourage you.
• Friends who make you better and smarter.
• Those who push you further than you ever thought you could go.

Why not take a little time today and invite God to give you more friends like this?

Prayer –Lord, I need more iron and more sharpening in my life. I do not want to be dull and without purpose or passion. Bring some individuals who will challenge and inspire me to do greater things in my life.

Reflect –As you think about your own life, who are you sharpening? Who are you challenging and inspiring? A child? Grandchild? Student? Friend? Ask God to make you the kind of person who makes others better and lifts others, and write out a prayer.