Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17, RSV).
With all the trials, problems, pressures, and temptations, here is a potential issue we could face: Too many hours of unaccountable independence can lead to a stumble or fall – spiritually, ethically, morally, or financially.
And if you are a man or woman who wants to avoid this potential pitfall and live above the level of the so-called “good life”, find a Godly mentor, or current Godly friend, to meet with on a regular basis to “sharpen” each other.
Just as my mentor does, your mentor can share his/her knowledge and experience with God’s Word and how to apply it to your life. Your mentor will also listen and when appropriate provide Godly guidance, support, encouragement, and motivation.
In addition, he or she will help you:
- Spot and avoid unwise decisions and blind spots, traps, and road mines, which if you stepped on one – kaa-boom – your Christian witness at home or work is maimed or destroyed. Or kaa-boom – your reputation is maimed or destroyed. Or- kaa-boom – your marriage, or one of your friendships, is maimed or destroyed.
- Return your focus to Jesus during those times when you find yourself focusing only on you and your issues.
- Pray during times when, quite frankly, you just do not feel like praying.
- Keep balanced and focused on what is really important in life.
Be Pro-Active
Pray for wisdom and guidance for who your mentor should be. After prayer, maybe God will encourage you to call one of your current Christian friends. If God does, you could start your conversation by saying that you are considering taking a 21 day challenge by reading one chapter in the book of John each day for 21 days. And you would like them to take the challenge with you.
One possible way to implement the challenge is for both of you to answer these two questions:
- What are two points in this chapter that are significant to you?
- What is the one point in this chapter that you think would have the greatest impact on your life if tomorrow you…..?
After you complete the 21 day challenge, maybe both of you will agree to talk on a regular basis to “sharpen” each other.