I remember the first couple of pocket knives I ever had. One was very small and had maybe an inch and a half blade. Of course as a little boy, I used it as a sword and trying to cut anything and everything. Eventually it became dull so I threw it away. I had another knife that was better quality sometime later, and I used it in the same way. Eventually I threw it away too. Soon after this I met someone who was sharpening a knife. I didn't know they could be sharpened, but he took this old dull knife, and could use it to cut just like new. I felt really dumb for throwing away those old ones. They weren't useless, they just needed sharpening.
We all need sharpened. I think of how dull we become to spiritual things by the middle of the week sometimes. When your sitting in the sanctuary, it's easy to see your failures and make promises to God, but the proof of the conviction is how we act when we leave that place. The iron that sharpens us is solid Christian relationships. When you have no one to talk to about your spiritual life, it probably is rarely mentioned. But a good Christian friend gives us the opportunity to have a dialogue and discuss questions of the faith back and forth. They provide accountability for us so that we stay sharp and ready for use, instead of dull and useless for work. Do you have believers around you keeping your sharpened for kingdom use? Are you a sharpener for other believers? It simply means that you encourage people in their faith, and that you challenge each other to live more obediently to Jesus today than you did yesterday. Ask God to show you where you need sharpened, and seek out those people who will be a refining influence on your life. A great place is the Sunday School or small group ministries of your church where you can build relationships in a relaxed setting.
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