Submitted by Sam
Nobles
Iron
sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 ESV
The Christian life is a journey,
a trek, a pilgrimage. There are times when the road can be brutal, harsh, and
lonely. During such times you may become depressed or discouraged, and
contemplate abandoning the journey all together. I have found that God is
faithful to send a friend in such trying times that always seem to know how to
encourage and challenge you to keep going when you don’t think you can.
Scripturally, a good friend is
one who “sharpens” or motivates you to do what is right even at their own
expense. An example of this is found in the friendship of Jonathan and David.
By all rights Jonathan was supposed to be the next king of Israel, but he
encouraged David to take the throne because it was what God wanted. Jonathan
forfeited his throne so that David could follow God’s will (1 Samuel 19:1-7).
Be careful in your choice of
friends. Be intentional about who you surround yourself with. You don’t need
perfect fiends, but you do need friends whose hearts are set to follow God. You
need friends in your life who will encourage you to become the person God
intends you to be.
Likewise, when you have found
that kind of friend, reciprocate the action. Be an encourager; seek to help
others know God in a deeper manner; be the kind of friend that is determined to
help others become more like Christ. In short, when you find iron…be iron.
Scripture to Claim:
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for
adversity. Proverbs 17:17 ESV
