Iron Sharpenin

Q: Proverbs 27:17 says that, "Iron sharpens iron, as one man sharpens another." How exactly does this happen in normal Christian relationships?

A: That would depend on how you define "normal Christian relationships." 1 Peter 5:5 gives a very important clue about how "normal Christian relationships" are to be defined. It says, in context, that we are each to submit ourselves to an "elder" among us. The term elder is commonly thought to mean someone who is chronologically older. But if you read that whole chapter, you see that an "elder" is better defined in spiritual terms --- someone having authority over you.

Christian relationships are first and foremost relationships of submission. Christ Himself is our model, as He submitted himself to the confining dimensions of humanity, to the worldly leaders around Him and finally of course to His Father God and His perfect will. Christ-followers are nothing if they are not submitted. We submit ourselves first to God and His will, to Jesus Christ and to the Holy Spirit. In terms of our human relationships, we also submit ourselves to each other.

Iron sharpens iron as one man (or woman) submits to another. James 5:16 tells us, "Confess your sins one to another ..." Again, the model of confession is a model of submission. So if you want to be sharpened, find someone who is trustworthy and submit yourself to that person.

Notice I didn't say find someone whom you trust. Rather pray and ask God to show you whom it is that He would like you to submit yourself to. Seek that person out and tell them specifically what you are doing. "I want to submit myself to you for the iron-sharpening-iron process. I'll be confessing my sins to you and I'd like you to help me live an examined life by asking me the probing questions that I need to be asked."

Iron sharpens iron, as we submit ourselves. People who aren't submitted or who fail to submit, of course are then not sharpened. As a result, their faith and their walk with God are dull. Their level of Christianity is dull and ineffective. Sharpened people stand out. They make a difference. They are "salt and light" in the world around us.