What influence do you have on the people you interact with daily? Let’s explore a vital aspect of our faith: the company we keep and the impact we exert on those around us. The book of Proverbs, in its wisdom, warns us: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17). That word “sharpeneth” means to “make sharp, make fleet of foot, as a sword drawn for battle.” Is this how you affect those around you or those who read your social media content? Just as a blacksmith’s hammer hones the edge of an iron sword, our words and actions can sharpen or dull the spiritual blades of those we encounter.
Each day, we have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the lives of others. Do we leave them sharper and more prepared to face the spiritual battles they encounter? Or do our interactions leave them dull, discouraged, and vulnerable to enemy attacks? I had a friendship with a certain individual for over 30 years with mixed results. When I was down, he was like the Good Samaritan pouring the healing balm of understanding and encouragement into my wounds. When I was doing well, I was encouraged and moving forward to take territory in the kingdom; however, this man would find an opportunity to tear me down, damage God’s work, and act most injuriously, bringing discouragement, frustration, and anger.
Nonetheless, ours was a David and Jonathan relationship. I loved him like a brother yet the day came after decades of this harmful cycle that I put my foot down and said no more. It was tough. It hurt, but it was necessary. At this point, might I add without getting too deep into it that a marriage license is no exempt status for putting up with toxic, destructive influences that the enemy uses to tear you down? Please spare me the objections; you’ll understand better when you’ve been through it.
The key to sharpening others lies in the words we speak and the content we share. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS.”
Applying this to our lives demands a measure of self-awareness. We must recognize that negativity can still leave a detrimental impact even when presented with a mask of humor or sarcasm. While there will undoubtedly be times of difficulty and hardship, our responses should not be characterized by despair or pronouncements of doom.
Consider the verse, “In silence, my soul waits for God…” (Psalm 62:1). Sometimes, the greatest testament to our faith is found not in pronouncements but in quiet reflection and trust in His plan. When we remain silent, we create space for God’s voice to be heard, both within ourselves and in the lives of those around us.
As a pastor and a father, I understand the profound impact our words and actions can have on others. I strive to be a source of encouragement and strength, not a burden that weighs them down. Each interaction, each post, each message we share leaves its mark, building others up or tearing them down.
Let us be mindful of the “boomerang effect” of negativity. The vitriol and scorn we hurl into the world can return tenfold, impacting not only ourselves but also those we love. We must remember that our actions have consequences, and ultimately, we answer for the influence we exert.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, to embark on a journey of self-examination. Be stewards of your words and actions, mindful of how they affect others. Choose to be a force for good, to sharpen the spiritual blades of those around you, and to leave them stronger, more hopeful, and better equipped to face the challenges of life.
Remember, each interaction is an opportunity to contribute to God’s work in the world. Let us strive to build each other up, to be sources of strength and encouragement, and to leave the world a better place than we found it. May our words and deeds sharpen the spiritual blades of those around us, leaving them more prepared to face the battles they encounter and ultimately, to glorify God in all things.
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Paulette says:
Thank you, such a great and inspiring article!
Lucien says:
So, this is the first time I’ve read one of your posts, but I’ve been getting your emails for a while. I have a question. With regard to that quote about thinking of the positive things. My mom used to quote that line all the time. I have a background in psychology, and am a student of many diverse disciplines. And I have many questions about what exactly that means. And I respect your input on the matter enough to ask for it.
To some extent, isn’t it necessary to also think about negative things? I mean, problems are easily swept under the rug and ignored, but that has a tendency to cause them to fester and later explode in a much more grand display of disruption and pain. At some point, like the parable of David and Jonathan, enough has to be enough and a line has to be drawn.
What is the meaningful context of that statement as it’s written? How do you believe it’s meant to be taken broadly? It’s a much much more complicated subject than those lines can reduce it to, but that appears to be a widely accepted interpretation all the same.
Willy Kazadi says:
I praise highly our Lord God in reading this message. Encouraging each other, building up each other is our main purpose as Christians, in acting so, the world will know that we’re of God and Christian Faith with be respected by many and many will accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Blessings !!!
Katrena says:
This is a very powerful article. It is a great reminder of our responsibility as a Christian…even just as a human to be accountable for our words.
Cam Mazurak says:
“If you can’t say anything nice (or helpful, or encouraging, or peaceful, etc) then don’t say anything at all” comes to mind. I have really struggled with this at times.
”The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.“
Proverbs 8:13 KJV
LORD help me.