“Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of a friend.”
Proverbs 27:17
At the beginning of this new year, I am doing what I always do: evaluating myself for the purpose of being more effective in the future. Proverbs 27 aptly addresses a thought process we must possess if we are going to Think…Be…Do better in the future.
The Hebrew etymology of the word “iron” means more than just steel. It literally means “strength.”
Sharpens means “to be fierce and violent in destroying; to have a cutting edge.
To say Proverbs 27:17 another way:
“Friends who are strong, use their ‘cutting edge’ to help their friends to get stronger. They use their ‘cutting edge’ to help their friends have a more ‘cutting edge.’ With this ‘cutting edge’ they become fierce at destroying what is false, and violent in destroying what is not BEST.”
When you have the right “ALIGNMENTS” in your life, they help to make your countenance COUNT more. On your face are your eyes, nose, mouth and two gates on either side called your ears. Your ears determine your faith.
“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17
Our faith determines everything we believe, which determines what we say, which determines what we see. And how everything “smells” reflects our attitude about everything.
To develop your Cutting Edge in 2011…
· Focus on your strengths and choose to get stronger.
· Seek alignments with people who not only value your strengths, but can help make you stronger.
· Be fierce about dealing with the things that “dull” your strength.
· Choose to be a strength in for others, but being strong yourself.
· Remember, “faith comes by hearing…” and what you hear effects what you say and what you say determines what you see!
Growing sharper,
Keith
Thanks Pastor Keith, Even though I’ve heard these words before they hit me this morning in a new way. Just the other day I was reading about (and you even said this in your message) how Jesus wasn’t able to be effective in his own town because the people didn’t believe. We all need to be around people who believe in us and lift us up. Together we are stronger like the horses you talked about last week. Thank you for your leadership and allowing God to speak to us through you not only in your message but by your example too.
Dear Pastor Keith,
Thank you for your continued dedication to teaching practical, modern day application of the Bible. Thank you for seeking God & developing yourself in order to serve others. Thank you for sharing your faith & being transparent. Thank you for being Creative & Fun. Thank you for aligning yourself with God!
God Bless You,
Hannah