Iron Sharpens Iron

I want to first of all thank my Father in heaven for affording me the blessing of being able to meet with a group of men that have been spiritual fathers, mentors and brothers-at-arms in the work of the ministry. In the time that I have known these other men I have been confronted with the simple and yet profound truths of God's holy Word. For this gift I will be eternally grateful.

The Proverb says: "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." (Proverb 27:17, NLT). I chose this particular translation because it expresses the sentiment that I feel toward the men that I have the privilege of meeting with on a weekly basis. I have been challenged to think, pray, read, study and push deeper into the things that matter to God each week. We have encouraged each other and have prayed for one another. We have journeyed together over that last year seeking and finding the God who promised He would make himself known to those that truly desire to find God.

There are a couple of observations that I want to make about this group, based on the words of this proverb. First, the quality of the substance is equal. It is "iron" on "iron". There is a compatibility of firmness and composition. This does not mean that they are identical, but they are similar enough to be considered in the same category. I find this to be a significant fact because if we were "unequally yoked" we could not be able to spur each other on to grow and delve more deeply into what God is working out in each of us.

Second, there is a second connection between the two "iron's". There is a genuine relationship shared between the two. The ESV, NKJV, NASB and NIV all translate this second clause in a similar way, "as one man sharpens another." It is the New Living Translation that highlights the implication that there is a relationship of friendship and camaraderie that exists and that fosters this mutual instruction and growth. If there is going to be genuine accountability, discipline and development then those with whom you meet must be close enough to you to rub those things off that are not edifying and good for growing in righteousness. There can be no sharpening without abrasive contact.

With these two observations in mind I would like to provide some characteristics of this roundtable group that have proven invaluable and transformative in my faith journey. This is not an exhaustive list, but represents the keys that I have observed and enjoyed in the time that we have been meeting together.

1. Consistent Attendance: This is probably the most important characteristic of the five. Knowing who is going to be there and what to expect is liberating and encourages all the members to come and participate. Our friendships have grown deeper and richer. We are not merely exchanging platitudes and soundbites of information.
   
2. Transparent Discussion: Our biases are on display. We all come from different theological traditions and yet we never forget that the reason we can get together, enjoy each others company and be built up is because of our common hope and faith in Jesus. Those first few weeks were interesting because there was a lot of probing and questioning to "make sure" that there was not something amiss.
   
3. Genuine Affection: There is a true affection for the other members of the group. This love for one another has come from growing friendships and shared experiences. There are not many secrets and because of the transparency that we have chosen to exercise the group recognizes how special these bonds and the time spent together truly are.
   
4. Humble Consideration: Possibly, to me anyway, this has been one of the more encouraging and needed aspects of our meetings in the church basement. I have never felt that what I said or what I proposed would be dismissed out of hand because I did not share the same perspective with the other members of the group. To be heard encourages a desire to hear. This is where the sharpening takes place. There is give and take. Not so much in what we believe, but in our convictions and understanding of how to articulate and defend the beliefs that we hold to.
   
5. Candid Engagement: Connected to Humble Consideration is Candid Engagement. Consideration has to do with hearing what someone else says. But Engagement, as I am thinking of it, is the process of response. Things have been said to one another that could have been taken as mean spirited, demeaning, rude or even insulting had the context been different or if the audience were of a different composition. But one of the purposes of getting together is to sharpen one another for the battle that is being waged. It is in this pointed and sometimes painfully direct process we are confronted with our own assumptions and are forced to stand or fold. Learning to be candid and loving is a balancing act that can only be learned in a safe and genuine environment.

It is for these reasons and probably a few more that I have enjoyed and benefited from our Church Basement group. I have come to realize that if I desire to become all that God has promised and prepared for me, some time being sharpened by brothers (and sisters) in the faith is part of the price to be paid to get there.

Father, I want to thank you for your love and mercy. You are worthy of all that I have to offer and more. I have been blessed by the men that you have brought into my life. You have provided a safe place for us to gather and fellowship and study and pray. We are indebted to You because of your unfailing love in Christ. Help us to continue to sharpen one another. Allow us to hold each other accountability so that we might live lives worthy of the calling and Gospel you have entrusted to us. Amen.