Sharpened For Purpose

By Pastor Gary Ritchie of One Way Ministries

Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron,

so a friend sharpens a friend."

I love this verse of scripture. It appeals to me on the most basic level of the importance of friendship, especially godly friendship. For most of my adult life, it seems that I have gravitated towards Christian friends. For those to whom I have close relationships are given the right to express their opinions and thoughts openly. Even when I may not want to hear it, an open line of communication is always present.

I read a book recently that talked about the importance of having friend groups that challenge us to walk the walk, and talk the talk. When we are living in that type of culture and we step out of a particular group identity, then we are sometimes reminded that “that is not who we are.” This type of friendship sharpens oneself to make us the best ambassador of Christ we can be.

Are you being sharpened?

This verse presents a metaphor describing the physical properties of iron. When two iron objects – typically blades or tools – are rubbed together, one is sharpened. The friction removes imperfections, burrs, or dull edges. The constant contact reshapes and realigns the blade’s edge, making it sharper.

The process is slow – too much force burns the metal and can even make it more dull. Overtime, the light pressure produces an even sharper blade. Do we have friends that we have built relationships where we have the right to “just say it.” I can think of friends where I have that freedom. I also have friends who I am not permitted to sharpen. Today, we might ask ourselves, am I one who welcomes “being sharpened?” Is our disposition open to being

formed and shaped into a better likeness of Christ? We already know that we will always be on the Master’s Potter’s Wheel as long as we have breath.

May we always allow our Christian friendships to be the hands and feet of Jesus that help to improve our fruit production.