“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
We all have friends. Some we are close to and others we have not heard from in a while but are still considered friends. Our closest friends are usually the ones we speak to every week in person, by phone call or a text message. They know us best with the exception of Jesus. Obviously, He knows us best.
This begs the question: how often do we contact our truly best friend, Jesus? For most of my life it was not that often. Oh, I was saved by God’s loving grace way back when as a teen. He has had me in His hand for a very long time. Why then did it take me so long to spend time with Him? I am talking about a daily visit.
Just going to church for an hour on Sunday morning does not make us Christians. Saying a short or even long prayer once a week is not staying close to our friend Jesus. It is so important so stay in continual contact with our helper throughout our day. He is always right there with us waiting for us to ask for His help. He never forces Himself, always patient and waiting for us to ask. I am sure He is disappointed quite often as we turn to Him as a last resort for help when all our own efforts prove fruitless.
Why is that? He wants to be first in our lives. The first one we come to when we wake up. The first one we turn to when help or advice is needed. The first one to seek comfort from when we are faced with the loss of a loved one. The first one we approach when a friend needs His help. The list goes on.
Sometimes we just need someone to touch. A hug from a close friend. A shoulder to lean on as we cry. A warm handshake from a trusted close friend. A text from a close friend that comes at just the right time we needed it. Do you ever wonder if God made all of those possible because He knows the exact moments we need to hear from Him in some form or fashion? Of course, He uses His children to be Him in person during those times of need.
One of my friends, Shawn Johnson, is a farmer and a custom knife craftsman. He was driving his tractor the other day when he started thinking on the Bible verse about how iron sharpens iron. He thought about the value of a sharp knife. The other day he was touching up the edges of his $10 utility knife and started thinking, “where is the value of a knife? Is the value in the looks or appearance of the knife? Is it in the material used in the making of the knife? Or is the value in the cost of the knife?” He knew that a really good quality bench-made knife, created by a craftsman like himself, would sell for about $200-$300. However, if it is dull at the time it is needed for use, it becomes worthless. He determined the value is in the sharpness of a knife. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
If I compare the value of a friend to that of a sharp knife, I must ask myself how I see my value as a friend? Is it based on how much they are worth, how good looking they are, or if it is how sharp they are at my time of need. The answer is how sharp I am in my friendships. Maintaining my sharpness and edge in my friendships is critical in my ability to be there at the time of need. If I am dull or unavailable when I am needed most, I have lessened my value. And this is unacceptable to me and, more importantly, in the sight of God.
Stay sharp! Use God’s Word as a stone to sharpen yourself. Let Him fill your mind, heart and soul with His teachings to love Him and your neighbor. Remember, your neighbor is anyone other than yourself. Always be aware that the friends you have and the people God places in your path every day, may need you to be sharp and ready to respond in their time of need. That could very well be today.
Jim Everett
