Proverbs 27:17 AMPC
[17] Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].
As we read yesterday, there is power in the associations and companies that we keep. It is not first and foremost about the type of company we keep, but the fact that God, in His wisdom, has seen it fit to place us in the midst of human company. Human life itself begins with the agreement and contribution of two different substances, and that life is then placed in the midst of other people. From the family life, to school, to work, to the fellowship in church, to the communal life of neighbours and friends, we were made to thrive in the company of other people like ourselves. It is critical to note that this does not mean that we must see eye to eye on all things, but it is in the diversity of opinions and motives that the human experience is enriched. If this is true of the physical reality around us, you can be sure the spiritual implications are the same.
I alo note that the word 'iron' is used to describe the impact of one life on another. Why iron? A few properties of iron will be of help here, and these are: it is highly malleable and ductile, it is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and it can be magnetised. You can beat iron into any shape and it will not break, and you can stretch it into thin wires and still not break. It is a good product to have handy when you need a good carrier of heat and electricity, while it also attracts magnets. If I am indeed iron, it means that I must attract the right crowd, and make the right impact in and on them. Wherever I am, in whatever situation I am applied, or in whatever company I have been placed, I must conduct heat and electricity that will charge my environment and make it conducive for living, breathing and thriving. It is iron that is best suited to sharpen iron.
That is the reason why I must take care to know who I am, what I am, and where I am headed. I can pretend about who I am for a while, but because I am placed in the midst of people, who I am will definitely be revealed. A man cannot give what he does not have, and as I relate with you, it is either I sharpen your countenance of rage, or that of a worthy purpose. Whatever is in you will be revealed and made known, and this is why it is always advised that one watch the company that you keep. If I am comfortable around the wrong people, it means that there is a tendency that my actions will flow in that direction. If I will make the right impact, I must spend time on the right substance, the right people and the right information. One day, there will be a call and demand on whatever I have stored up. Would I be proud if what I am storing up right now is revealed to the whole world? If I do not like what I see now, I must change the source. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment