Breakfast of Champions: Iron Sharpens Iron.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverb 27:17).

One of my passions is to encourage men in their walk with the Lord and be encouraged/challenged by them. Usually this happens once or twice a week, early in the morning.  For a season, it was as early as 5 AM. Thanks, Tim T.  I don’t even think the chickens are up at that hour!  But a start time is usually anywhere from 5:30 AM to 6 AM.

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none on you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first” (Hebrews 3:12-14).

I cannot think of one time I regretted meeting with another brother or brothers. Sometimes non-Christians are in the mix too.  It’s a time to spur each other on in the faith, to die to self, and live for God’s glory through personal holiness.  "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:14-16).

Tough questions are asked as we “get into each other’s kitchens”, confess sin to one another and plan/discuss how we will forsake sin.  As one former elder of my church said, “If sparks aren’t flying (during our time together) something must be wrong! Jello cannot sharpen iron!”

Last Friday morning I met with Dave.  I don’t regularly see him but I am always encouraged and challenged when I meet with him.  I appreciate his friendship and his pursuit to live his life and lead the family God has entrusted him for Christ’s glory.  “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Grateful for "iron that sharpens iron"!