Then a friend sharpens

As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. – Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron is a common phrase when looking at it in the natural sense it can be misleading. Iron as it exists cannot really sharpen other iron as they have the same consistency and strength.

Before everyone stops reading and runs me on a rail, let me continue …

When iron has the same density, just like any other substance, it will not wear down or sharpen its counterpart. Therefore, and as intended in Scripture, different levels of density, strength, and texture would be required for iron to sharpen iron.

The same happens in the case of men, we can sharpen each other in these ways:

• Tutorships
• spiritual guide
• Sharing experience
• Learning from mistakes
• Be a sounding board
• Secure trust

All of this and more can be accomplished without diminishing our character or making one superior or inferior to the other. As men, if we are strong enough to admit our own shortcomings, we give ourselves the opportunity to learn and grow with others.

The challenges we face today is that many men were brought up with the idea that asking for help is not what we do. However, the men who gave us this advice were from a different generation.

This generation was already unknowingly honing the character of others in the form of things like the military, all the boys’ schools, home and school discipline, church communities, rotating clubs, and other men’s clubs. (at that time) and, above all, the families that stayed together.

With this kind of background, a man’s expectations were pretty well established from the start.

However, in today’s world things are quite different. Military service is no longer required, church communities are more focused on raising money than families, and the family structure is virtually non-existent.

As men of today, many of us grew up in broken or dysfunctional homes. Then we are thrown into a world of chaos with little morality. We are unprepared for the decisions before us, and therefore we are obliged to pay for the poor ones.

We feel we must maintain our Machiavellian bravado and refuse to show signs of emotion or weakness. We prefer to make bad decisions and suffer in silence and then ask for help. The idea of ​​sharing our problems or concerns becomes an unbearable option.

Last time I checked, we had the best teacher who exemplified what it meant to be a man, even if our own parents didn’t. Jesus had twelve … well eleven close male friends whom he trusted as a mentor and companion. These friends were full of advice and were there to support, advise, and comfort Jesus on his travels.

It seems to me that if we are willing to put our trust and faith in our Lord and his disciples for over 2000 years, we could probably do the same today.

I challenge you to find a group of men, men who share similar values ​​and form a group. Make it a regular event, either over the phone or in person, to communicate with others regularly. Put it on the calendar, hold each other accountable. Speak the truth without shame with the men of your choice, confess and celebrate. Nowhere does it say that you have to do all this life that God has given you alone.

Question: What are you willing to give to start sharpening yourself in your life?

Blessings

CJ