Iron Sharpens Iron

Iron Sharpens Iron

"As iron sharpens iron, so a many sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17

I want to get you think about your friends today. There are several types of friends:

1. There are causal acquaintances that we have made over the years that we refer to as "friends." These are the friends that we see occasionally or maybe frequently. While we enjoy their company or fellowship, we've never gone beyond the surfacy kinds of things with them.

2. There are our "fair-weathered" friends. These are the people that I describe as "when I need you, or when I need something from you, you are my "friend." But when I don't -- well, don't bug me.

3. There are those deep friendships that have been tested and tried over the years. These are people you may not have seen for years, but the moment you reconnect, you pick up exactly where you left off. These are the people that you really have a heart connection with. They are the ones that bring you great value.

4. Some friends are brought into our lives to help us grow and bloom where God has planted us. They are the ones that aren't afraid to say the tough things to us. They will pat us on the back, applaud our victories, but will also be willing to get in our face and tell us when we are off base or need to readjust our thinking. They will often do that even though it makes them uncomfortable.

I have several friends that have recently been used by the Lord to tell me things I really didn't want to hear, but were necessary for my growth. While the hard stuff hurts -- they actually helped me in an area where I had a huge blind spot.

I like what Dr. Blackaby says about friends: "According to Scripture, a friend is one who challenges you to become all that God intends. Jonathan could have succeeded his father to become the next king of Israel. But he loved his friend David, and he encouraged him to follow God's will, even though it meant Jonathan would forfeit his own claim to the throne. (1 Samuel 19:1-7)

The mark of biblical friends is that their friendship draws you closer to Christ. They 'sharpen' you and motivate you to do what is right. True friends tell you the truth and even risk hurting your feelings because they love you and have your best interest at heart (Proverbs 27:6)"

Are you thankful for your friends today? When was the last time you thanked your friends for sharpening you? Holding you accountable? Getting in your face (in love) and telling you the hard stuff? Why not drop them an email or pick up the phone and say, "Thanks for being my friend." -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 19; 1 Chronicles 7-9; John 6:22-24

Great Quote: Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest thing right and doing it all for love...Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love. Therese of Lisieux