March 23rd, 2023
by Derek Cozine
by Derek Cozine
The Bible is quite clear on the importance of deep genuine relationships. Some passages speak of the reward and consequences on the choice to seek wise men:
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
-Proverbs 12:15
My favorite says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
-Proverbs 27:17
There have been many times that I have been sharpened by godly men. It is rarely comfortable and smooth. It can be, but think about the process of sharpening iron. Two methods a blacksmith would use are sharpening stones and honing rods.
With a sharpening stone the blacksmith would sharpen the blade by forcing the metal against the stone and grinding away the dull portions of the blade. The dull portions are then strategically ground down, specks falling away until the remaining blade is sharp. By removing the dullness, a new edge is formed. As the author of Proverbs 27:17 intends, consider your life that dull blade. Our choices and our nature have made us dull in sin. However, as a new creation in Jesus Christ, we are called to imitate Christ and be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:13-19).
Our sharpening is not a command to simply do, because we are bored and need to stay busy. It is not a command to do because we are told to and that’s it. No, dull blades are dangerous. They require more force to use, more effort, and can harm yourself or others if you slip or mess up. Our lives need similar care, the care of another man to come alongside us and grind off the dull edges of our sin and immaturity through deep friendships, discipleship, and mentorships.
God has placed many men in my life that have help briefly sharpen me in one area. Others have stayed in my life for years, growing with me. Yet there is a distinct, solemn call to be regularly sharpened as a follower of Jesus Christ.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.”
-Colossians 3:1-6
One who has been raised with Christ sets their perspective to the things above and puts to death what is earthly in them. Seek out godly men who can point out the dullness of sin and immaturity, helping you grind it away for God’s glory. Such men will become a treasure from God.
For the Glory of God,
Derek Cozine
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
-Proverbs 12:15
My favorite says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
-Proverbs 27:17
There have been many times that I have been sharpened by godly men. It is rarely comfortable and smooth. It can be, but think about the process of sharpening iron. Two methods a blacksmith would use are sharpening stones and honing rods.
With a sharpening stone the blacksmith would sharpen the blade by forcing the metal against the stone and grinding away the dull portions of the blade. The dull portions are then strategically ground down, specks falling away until the remaining blade is sharp. By removing the dullness, a new edge is formed. As the author of Proverbs 27:17 intends, consider your life that dull blade. Our choices and our nature have made us dull in sin. However, as a new creation in Jesus Christ, we are called to imitate Christ and be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:13-19).
Our sharpening is not a command to simply do, because we are bored and need to stay busy. It is not a command to do because we are told to and that’s it. No, dull blades are dangerous. They require more force to use, more effort, and can harm yourself or others if you slip or mess up. Our lives need similar care, the care of another man to come alongside us and grind off the dull edges of our sin and immaturity through deep friendships, discipleship, and mentorships.
God has placed many men in my life that have help briefly sharpen me in one area. Others have stayed in my life for years, growing with me. Yet there is a distinct, solemn call to be regularly sharpened as a follower of Jesus Christ.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.”
-Colossians 3:1-6
One who has been raised with Christ sets their perspective to the things above and puts to death what is earthly in them. Seek out godly men who can point out the dullness of sin and immaturity, helping you grind it away for God’s glory. Such men will become a treasure from God.
For the Glory of God,
Derek Cozine
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