Sharpen that Blade
By Nick Snell
I finished my sermon on the importance of expressing gratitude and endeavored to end the worship service. But a small group of members weren’t finished. We gathered together at the front of the sanctuary for our afterglow time. This is when interested members convene to discuss what resonated with them from the service and what God might be inviting them to apply to their upcoming week. A longtime member shared that he felt impressed to intentionally thank a mentor in his life because he knew he wouldn’t be where he was without their counsel. God’s whisper into this man’s heart brought to mind multiple guides from my past and fostered gratitude in my heart for those traveling beside me now.
None of us is where we are solely because of our own two feet. And looking forward, none of us can reach our full potential of wholeness and ministry without the help of others. If we want to grow, we need to grow in relationships with people who will help us better navigate the path we’re called to follow.
The ultimate mentor is God. He will always provide all the guidance we need as we look to Him for it. I believe the following Scriptures gives further insight into how He likes to provide that wisdom and guidance.
Proverbs 27:17 says,
Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.
Yes, we should absolutely seek solitude with and guidance from God foremost, but according to God’s word, we need others. He likes to use others to sharpen and to better us. Of course, not all people have the same sharpening, improving effect.
Proverbs 13:20 teaches us that,
“He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Some will sharpen you and increase your wisdom. Others will dull and even pierce you. I’ve heard that dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones because you have to exert more force to cut objects. It is then easy for the knife to do something unexpected and chop or slice something you didn’t at all intend for your blade to touch. Not only will we be hurt by those with a dulling effect but they make us dangerous to others. Be picky with who you choose as walking partners through life. Look to those who are sharp and those who are being sharpened.
Hebrews 13:7 adds something important, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” I want to emphasize the last phrase, “imitate their faith”. Your mentor’s lives won’t be perfect by any means, but may they be people who have faith that inspires you.
Currently I am moving through ministry with four mentors. They celebrate with me and challenge me if I’m throwing a pity party. They listen and help me process by asking good coaching questions. They keep me accountable and encourage me to move forward to be the person I want to be. They believe in me more than I believe in myself. They explore issues with me, help me to get out of my own echo chamber that can get dark and negative. They are not perfect. They are vulnerable and make it safe for me to open up. They share out of their wins and losses, their joy and their pain. They are people who inspire me with faith. They pray for me and God speaks to my heart through each of them. I am so grateful to God for how He speaks to me and mentors me through them.
Finally, 1 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.” Be sure that in your ministry you share your lives with your people and are there to mentor them should they desire it. It has been one of the greatest pleasure of my ministry to pay it forward.
Nick Snell is the associate pastor of Chapel Oaks Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Kansas City, Kansas.
