Sharpen

DEVOTION

PROVERBS

SHARPEN

Prov 27:17

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

NIV

There is a sharp truth here for us in this saying. The fact many people are extremely set in their beliefs or opinions and very seldom will accept something new. We are not any exception to that rule. We are pretty much stuck in our own opinion of what is true and what is not, especially when it comes to the truths of God. But that is not the only thing we are what some would say are closed minded to. Some say that the things one should not discuss in public are religion, politics and financial matters. Those are the main issues we are of the strongest opinion. Now we could see this saying in the sense that one man helps another to see new truths, or sway his opinion.  But let us just consider the blade of the sword does not change, but merely becomes sharper. It is not that someone is going to persuade us to change our mind, but honest debate simply sharpens our beliefs, gives them a clearer and sharper edge. If we never encounter someone to sharpen us, we might become dull in our thinking, in our beliefs or opinions. When we engage in a discussion of those matters, especially spiritual ones, it helps us, it sharpens us in our thinking and considering the word of God. Discussion forces us to think about scripture, to seek out verses which show our beliefs are right. Now, of course, there is differing opinions or interpretations of scripture. Then it becomes a debate rather than a discussion. Even alone we can have this debate with some of the words written by various commentators because of their particular theological and more importantly, their denominational background. Many always yield to the traditional thoughts they were trained in according to the position the denomination they were raised in. But the scripture is the final authority, not the denomination. So we are sharpened even by those who think differently than us. But we are the same blade, we have not changed, just our edge is sharper. It is not that we cannot see their point of view. We may be able see their reasons for their beliefs, but it does not mean we have to accept ever wind of doctrine that comes along. That would be being tossed about like an infant.

Eph 4:14-16

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

NIV

Now this also shows us as we read the preceding verses that we are to build each other up until we reach the unity in the faith. That would mean there is not room for various opinions in the interpretation of the scriptures, as differing views forbid unity in the faith. So how do we deal with that? As long as you agree with me, we don’t have a problem. Hmmm, that sounds a little bold or closed-minded. But how do we sharpen each other if we cannot discuss our differing views? Let us be open first to discussion and even possibly the consideration of the others views, searching out the truth together as brothers or sisters in Christ, in love. Let us always be sharp, as sharp as the two edge sword of the Lord. In addition let us be so sharp that we use the edge of our sword against the enemy of our soul.