Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

– Proverbs 27:17

I grabbed the scissors to cut the shipping tape on a box then later I tried to use the scissors to cut wrapping paper for a gift. The scissors cut the shipping tape but when cutting the paper, instead of a clean cut, it tore the paper.

After removing the gummy residue and sharpening the scissor blades, the scissors are back to cutting quickly and neatly again. This situation came to mind with today’s reading, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”.

Scissors and knives become dull over time, sharpening requires some sort of sharpening tool and active maintenance to make them sharp again. Like knives, our spiritual lives can become dull or “gummed up” without active participation and spiritual sharpening tools. Sometimes we’re the ones that need sharpening while other times we’re the sharpening tool for others.

Is there something new I can do this season of lent to help sharpen my spiritual growth or to help someone else?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for my church family that provides opportunities to grow in you by sharpening myself and others. Please guide me and show me ways I can grow and how I can help sharpen others. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Daily Reading: Luke 3

– Contributed by Mari Kreft