“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” -Proverbs 27:17
“Rachel, it’s not about you all the time.”
My sister yelled in frustration. I cringed in shock as she said these words to me.
“Other people have things going on, and you’re so busy talking about what’s going on with you that they can’t even share what’s going on with them.
That stung, but it was true. I was in my 20’s, selfish, and had allowed a difficult season to make me insensitive to the needs of others. I didn’t make time to be present in anyone else’s world but my own. When she said these words, my mind went back to several of our past conversations and how she sat listening, giving advice, but not having the space to share about her struggles. Those words, although difficult to digest, were true.
Had I allowed myself to get lost in the delivery, I would have missed the importance of the message. She needed a listening ear just like I did. I knew when she shared these words, her heart was not to hurt me but rather create in me an awareness of how my selfishness had made her feel. She was trying to help me become better in my relationships, especially with her. My feelings were hurt for a few days until I accepted that she was right.
When we are sharpening or being sharpened, it is important to consider the heart of the person. When we allow delivery to be the gatekeeper of the gift of truth, we will stifle our growth because not all gifts are delivered in beautiful packages. The gift of salvation is beautiful, but it was packed with the beating, whipping, and hanging of Jesus our Savior. Our freedom was delivered to us on a cross, yet the precious gift of salvation is the best gift we could have ever been given.
This devotional may not be easy to consume but if you take what you learn and apply it to your daily life, I believe you will experience some of the greatest spiritual growth and maturity of your lifetime.
So let’s grow together and become sharpenable. Let me know in the comments, how this series has helped you to have a different perspective on being sharpened.
Rachel G. Scott
Author
About
Rachel is a wife and a mother, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. She has been featured nationally and internationally on television, podcast, radio, devotionals, and blogs. As the Founder of the I Can’t Come Down movement, an organization dedicated to helping women walk in their purpose and assignment with focus, she is a former Huffington post contributor and current Youversion and Moody Radio Cleveland Partner. She is also part of The Well Communicators a faith-based speaking team.
Rachel is deeply devoted to serving God, loving and honoring her husband and raising her children in a Godly home where they experience authenticity and learn to embrace their imperfections.
That same phrase, “not everything is about me”has been said many times to me by my husband. Learning that not everyone’s downcast face or cranky mood has anything to do with me is life changing. If someone has an issue with me, they should come talk to me, and I am very open to that. In any other circumstance, I’m going to assume anything perceived to be negative is something that person is dealing with. I can ask them how they are doing without the worry it was something I did or did not do. Thanks again, Rachel, for that reminder!
Glad it blessed you Karla
Just last night I shared in bible study the importance of not forsaking the assembly of ourselves, as scripture reminds us. We need one another! Iron sharpens iron. We edify one another, and therefore build up the body. I am so excited about this journey God has allowed me to take along side of you.
Yes! I love this truth.