Preparing Wisely

All through college it was my desire to be on the debate team. I would sit quietly, listen carefully and watch intently as the “team” would present their side of an issue. When finished, the other team would take “issue” with their position and attempt to dismantle the carefully stated opposing view. Although I saw the debate, I did not see the preparation. Both teams came to the “contest” thoroughly and carefully prepared. Both teams expected to win. Both teams were mentally alert and physically prepared. Both teams were ready to do battle with words, ideas, thoughts and illustrations.

We saw the debate but we never saw what the teams did to prepare for the debate. Their preparation, however, is exposed by a proverb of Solomon: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Knives are first shaped and fashioned for their intended use. They are crafted for a special or specific purpose and then polished to give them beauty and elegance. The handle must “fit” properly and be smoothed to perfection for a sure grip. But the final step in the process is when they are sharpened by the knife-maker. The work is completed when one metal is used against another metal to sharpen the blade to perfection.

No one knows everything about anything. We all have “mental” gaps and “space” in our brains for more knowledge, wisdom and insight. Though the Bible is the best place to prepare for life, we must use other resources - books and friends - to “sharpen” our minds.

Prayer: Father, bring others into our lives who will challenge our thoughts and ideas to become our best. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.