Keeping Each Other Sharp

Happy Father’s Day to all the men who have did their best to raise their children in the way they should go. You are to be commended on this day for a job well done.

An iron file is used to sharpen a dull blade.

I’m told flint or some other stone can sharpen a blade but not as good as an iron file.

Men we are valuable to each other. Women you are valuable to each other. Beloved we are valuable to each other.

God intends for us help each other stay sharp until Jesus returns.

Keeping Each Other Sharp

There are times when we need someone to walk awhile with us.

When two people walk together, there will be conversation...

When one says or does something that falls short of the Lord’s expectations, the other should speak up and challenge them.

We can make one another spiritually better by challenging each other’s thinking.

We can help each other make better choices.

We can offer constructive criticism and not destructive criticism.

I remember my high school football coach used to tell us a good friend will tell you you need a breath mint.

As I grew and experienced life, I added something to what he said; “A good friend won’t go and tell everyone else I needed a breath mint.

It’s been said that two heads are better than one...

Conclusion

We can’t sharpen each other if we don’t spend time with each other. The iron file can’t sharpen the blade if one is on one side of the shop, and the other is on the other side. They have to be brought together to make the blade sharp!

Hebrews 10:24–25 - “24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage each other.

Romans 15:1 tells us the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.

Galatians 6:1-2 tells us that if one of us is caught in a fault, we are supposed to restore that person using our meek spirit. We ought to bear each other’s burdens.

God has placed people in our lives to sharpen our thoughts on what has happened, what is happening now, and to get us ready for what is to come!

In 2003, I wrecked my car because I was driving drunk. My law enforcement career was at stake, my reputation was at stake, and I was feeling down. I was placed on desk duty and this Evangelist came to work with us as an intern. She asked me come to lunch with her. During the lunch break, she sharpened me by encouraging me. She told me to look at a billboard. And she said right now you’re on a billboard, but God is going to change that billboard to read much better than the one you’re displayed on now. A year later the Lord saved me and filled me with His Spirit.

But we can’t sharpen each other if we don’t see each other.

Ruth and Naomi sharpened each other.

David and Johnathan sharpened each other.

Nathan sharpened David.

Paul and Silas sharpened each other.

Jesus sharpened Peter: In Matthew 16:21-23 we can read about Jesus telling His disciples that He had to go to Jerusalem to suffer and be killed and raised on the third day.

Peter thought it would be good to tell Jesus no He wasn’t going to die.

Jesus turned to Peter and said “Get behind me Satan.”

Jesus saw the spirit that was operating in Peter and rebuked the demonic spirit that wanted to change the course of events that would lead to our Salvation and hope.

Just like Jesus, we have to recognize what others might miss and help them to stay sharp by pointing out the dangers we face in our walk together with Christ.

What’s Next?

Sharpen someone by challenging them with love and kindness.

Sharpen someone by being loving enough to offer correction.

Sharpen someone by offering encouraging words.

Sharpen someone by giving yourself to their situation until they are back on their feet.

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