October 8, 2013
It's a simple but important truth. Authentic partnership reaps great benefits, and nowhere is it better stated than here:
"Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27.17)
I am forever indebted to good friends and confidantes' who have been - and are - invaluable "sharpening steel". These are friends who care enough to challenge, clarify, and even confront. These are friends who unquestionably have my best interests at heart, and vice versa. We share in an unspoken covenant for the welfare of each other.
Relationships can be risky. Who hasn't been betrayed or disappointed by someone close? But, the risks are well worth the rewards, when authentic sharing takes place.
Sadly, we live in an age of superficial relationships, and I suspect God's family are not immune. There is a general expectation that we all should be living "the victorious life", and to admit anything less isn't "spiritual". Well, it's time we faced the fact that we all are fellow strugglers, and desperately need the "sharpening" of someone willing to be equally honest. There is no value in living behind the facade' of "victorious living", when true help is available in an authentic relationship.
If you have a "sharpening steel" relationship(s), than you are greatly blessed. If not, seek to initiate one. We'll never be the sharpest knife in the drawer without one. The Christian life was never meant to be a solo act.
May we rejoice today in the "sharpening steel" relationship(s) we have, or be led to one we truly need.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27.17)
I am forever indebted to good friends and confidantes' who have been - and are - invaluable "sharpening steel". These are friends who care enough to challenge, clarify, and even confront. These are friends who unquestionably have my best interests at heart, and vice versa. We share in an unspoken covenant for the welfare of each other.
Relationships can be risky. Who hasn't been betrayed or disappointed by someone close? But, the risks are well worth the rewards, when authentic sharing takes place.
Sadly, we live in an age of superficial relationships, and I suspect God's family are not immune. There is a general expectation that we all should be living "the victorious life", and to admit anything less isn't "spiritual". Well, it's time we faced the fact that we all are fellow strugglers, and desperately need the "sharpening" of someone willing to be equally honest. There is no value in living behind the facade' of "victorious living", when true help is available in an authentic relationship.
If you have a "sharpening steel" relationship(s), than you are greatly blessed. If not, seek to initiate one. We'll never be the sharpest knife in the drawer without one. The Christian life was never meant to be a solo act.
May we rejoice today in the "sharpening steel" relationship(s) we have, or be led to one we truly need.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:40 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home