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Greetings, Saints, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
You may be familiar with today’s scripture reading from the book of Proverbs. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” is a familiar verse used to express how we humans might behave in order to serve another in a positive, impactful, and improved way. This verse has been used by scholars to other scholars to challenge them to think more deeply, by artists to other artists to promote creativity, by athletes to other athletes to heighten performance and to outperform others, and, of course, by Christians to encourage others, and to promote Christian values and virtues.
Let’s briefly look at one example of how iron sharpens iron. The proverb is a metaphor. By seeing how iron sharpens iron, we may be able to determine how one person can sharpen another. Let’s see.
Iron is often used to smooth and sharpen iron knives, weapons, and tools to be more effective and useful. My Great Uncle Sam was a blacksmith in a small town in central Nebraska, Elm Creek, NE. Uncle Sam used iron to shape and sharpen iron in the craft of smithing. He used heat to make iron more malleable and to shape and form iron on an iron anvil (you know, like the ones dropped by Wile E. Coyote trying to catch the Road Runner? Okay, so I dated myself, but most parents will smile when remembering that image... beep beep!). An iron hammer is used to beat the iron on the large iron anvil to shape and sharpen an iron object. As the process is refined, an iron file is used to file the iron down to shape and sharpen. For finishing touches on a blade, an iron sharpening steel (or rod) may be used to get the blade finely sharpened to cut effectively.
I don’t know about you, but to me, it sounds like if one man sharpens another like my Uncle Sam sharpened iron, it could get rough. Iron is a hard material. Hardened iron, iron that has been through the fire and is tempered, helps to shape new, softer iron, but I don’t like the sound of heat; it sounds uncomfortable. Using an iron hammer on an iron anvil doesn’t sound too soft or convenient either; ouch! If hardened iron, heat, and being pounded by a hammer haven’t caught your attention, what about an iron file? That is sure to leave a mark. Honestly, iron sharpening is beginning to sound unpleasant.
Uncle Sam was a tough blacksmith; he didn’t have a lot but loved helping others by repairing, making, and sharpening tools and all things iron. For our perspective today, It may be helpful to zoom out to 10k feet and explore the theme of Solomon’s proverb, which is about the importance of humility, foresight, and wise stewardship. It emphasizes the dangers of being puffed up and boasting about the future, which is never guaranteed. It teases out the value of honest feedback from others for improvement and accountability and the need to diligently administer and steward one's resources and responsibilities, often using other metaphors, like taking care of and tending to livestock, to convey this message. Here it is for context if you have time: Proverbs 27.
While Proverb 27:17 seems rough when comparing it to exactly iron sharpening iron, and some may think that being stern or overbearing is what is needed, however, I would offer an alternate perspective. In Ephesians, the apostle Paul speaks to us about unity in the body of Christ. As Christians, we are called to use iron “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” While we may be tempted or frustrated with others and come alongside to “sharpen another,” Paul reminds the Ephesians, and us too, that being mature in Christ requires a mature approach such as this, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
This proverb, while seemingly edgy, also helps us point to the value and need for fellowship. It points to how we are able to be a blessing to others and come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ, gather, and bask in the comforting peace that we are not alone. We have each other and a God who is there among us, “Where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is among them.” We can gain hope, comfort, and peace knowing we sharpen each other. He is among us and will never leave us - even during sharpening. Saints, it doesn’t stop there. We also must share this with others who may not know about this hope. The hope of Jesus Christ is why our mission is to “Proclaim Jesus Christ Through Excellence in Education.” Keep sharpening in humility, gentleness, and patience as you bear with one another in love. Amen!
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen. Have a peaceful weekend.
In Christ’s love and mine,
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