One of my jobs is to write articles for a small business magazine, and it helps in this work to have good attention to detail. The more accurate my writing and grammar is, the happier my publisher will be. But, no matter how hard I might try to achieve ‘perfection’, I make mistakes from time to time. It’s only when another pair of eyes are on my work, i.e. my publisher’s, that grammatical errors are brought to light. It’s at this stage that I remember putting together a magazine is a team effort.
It’s the same with my life. If I flew completely solo, I would never have the benefit of other people’s wisdom and insight. While my tendency can be to shrink away and internalize my ‘issues’, God has graciously provided many people along my journey who’ve managed to draw me out in conversation and help me discover more about myself.
Proverbs 27:17 says:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together. The edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task of cutting and slicing.
I too am ‘sharpened’ by my friends’ insights. My best friends are those who’ve mirrored my strengths and built my confidence, as well as honestly and sensitively discussed my weaknesses with me. It takes courage to do that.
And when we ‘rub up against’ God, we grow the most. We change when we realise how small we are compared to him in all his glory. And only he can mould us to be more like his son Jesus. There will never be a friend like him.
Just as I allow my publisher to bring light to my writing errors, I ask that God would help me be a light to others – in love and truth.
It's a God thing... 
That’s great! It is very helpful to relate Biblical thoughts to our lives… And you are better with words than I am!
Thanks Betsy! I enjoy putting words together, and the blog is a great outlet for me 🙂 Thanks for dropping by and keeping in touch 🙂
I love your description/analogy. It’s perfect!
Sometimes all that sharpening hurts, but it’s growing pains.
Happy Thanksgiving, Ali!
Thanks Denise! Yes, well said – and afterwards it ‘brings a harvest’. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Most people don’t celebrate it in Australia but my sister lived in the US for several years, so she’ll put on a special thanksgiving dinner tonight 🙂
Wonderful post, Ali. It does require courage and trust to be sharpened by those God brings into our lives–and truly, HE IS THE BEST–at both loving us, and using His grace to put a keen edge on us for His use and glory. God bless you BIG today–much love, sis Caddo
Thank you Caddo! And yes, that’s so true – may we be open to the development of the ‘keen edge’ that only He can give us. Thanks for being a blessing, and I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving! Hugs, Ali
I think I’m still having Thanksgiving–at least through the weekend, maybe into next week!! Wish you were here, Ali–the pie was excellent! Now I’m going to do a chocolate pumpkin cake…yum.
This is so true. Pride can keep us isolated from the wisdom of others, but we benefit so much if we don’t take things as personal criticisms.
Yes. Sometimes ‘honesty’ is uncalled for and inappropriate, but if it’s done in the right spirit it can help us grow.