Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
People are meant to be interdependent. John Donne reminded us that “no man is an island” and it today’s economy, being connected is important and ultimately healthy to each of us. Conversation helps. Praying together helps more. Find one or two friends with whom you can connect.
But then note: it is iron we are talking about. Not tin. Not soft rock. Strong iron is filed by other iron ores to refine its shape, to sharpen its edge or to shine its surface. A lonely piece of unrefined iron, by itself, does little.
It should never be “lonely at the top” for effective leadership is not a solitary endeavor. The leader must have around friends who provoke the leader to deeper thinking (energizing the intellect) or provide authentic encouragement --both brighten the countenance.
Testing ideas in conversation refines our skills: it is also the penetrating questions of the soul that shapes our spiritual being. The influence is great; therefore, leaders must choose wisely the friends who would brighten their countenance.
Do you have friends that can sharpen you? That you can sharpen?
Copyright © 2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Friday, February 27, 2009
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