Proverbs Challenge | May 27, 2020

Key Text: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

We want our lives to count. No one wishes to be ineffective by living a fruitless life. There is an image of the Almighty God hardwired into every human being. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them.” How, then, does God’s image inspire humankind to make an impact? God designed us for each other and tasked us to order the world as He did. We need people to sharpen us and purpose to pursue.

A sharp well-maintained tool that goes unused might as well be dull. From the very beginning of creation, God ordered things. Wisdom and the ordering of creation go handin-hand. Proverbs 8 paints a beautiful picture of God establishing, marking out, and masterfully organizing the beginning of all things. What does He do next? Enter mankind. And humanity’s job was to be to God’s great representative, being like God to creation. Giving names to the animals and subduing the earth were the two main tasks. Adam needed Eve, and they both needed God. Beautiful dependence and purpose.

Iron sharpening iron is not just a good thought; it is necessary. To be effective as imagers of God, we need the sharpening that comes from relationships. Dependence and purpose are inseparable. A purposeful tool with a dull blade makes as much of a cut like a sharp blade that goes unused. Pair your life’s impact with great mentors and strong friendships. Seek out feedback and let people around, although painful at times, remove the rough edges. Order your world as God created you to do and do so with great effect.

Kelsey Langager, Graphic Design & Communications Director

Today’s Challenge: Ask someone to share with you one area in your life you could improve.