Get your tools out

Jonathan, the best man in my wedding. Brooke looked great that day. She looks even better today.

When I first moved to Murray State University in the Fall of 2000, I was a nervous 18 year old that had no clue what my future would hold. I was seperated from my family in a state that I was unfamiliar with. In fact, the only person I knew in that state was my older sister, Lisa. I'm so grateful still for the way she made me feel welcome in a new phase of my life. Thank you Lisa.

One of the first things that my sister wanted for me was to get involved in the B.C.M. (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) on campus. One day, she took me over and introduced me to Jonathan Clark, one of the ministry interns. Jonathan took time beginning then to invest in me. We met once a week for discipleship. After a short time, we became great friends... and then best friends. I use that term "best friend" in the most conservative way. Brooke is my number one best friend... my suga mama, my bride. Jonathan is my best friend, my brother. I hope you get the connection. 6 years after we met, I had the joy of being his best man in his wedding... and then 1 day short of a year later, he was mine. I'm grateful for our friendship and brotherhood.

Here is my point for this blog; do you have friendships that sharpen you in your walk with the Lord? I love this verse: Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17) I'm sharpened by Jonathan. I believe what makes our friendship strong is our support of one another for glorifying the King and being Godly husbands and fathers (for Jonathan at least). We pray for one another almost every day. We challenge each other in theology, ministry, and other topics that may arise. I've journaled now each day for almost 6 years because of his accountability (I recommend journaling to anyone). I'm grateful for how I'm sharpened by him. His passion for the Lord each day is contagious to his family, friends, and students.

Ever notice that when you shave with a dull blade, you'll hurt yourself more? This morning, Leon (our minister of administration) walked into the office with a cut on his head. He shaved this morning with a dull blade; resulting in a large gash. When I shave in the morning with a dull blade, several things happen: 1. I'm automatically in a bad mood. 2. It takes longer which increases the bad mood. 3. It hurts! 4. I flirt around with the idea of using my wife's razor... but I don't! (I promise Brooke). Why? Because the blade is not sharp enough to get the job done easier.

I look at this verse and wonder about the importance for us to invest in one another. This verse challenges us to sharpen one another. Get your tools out. Take time to invest in someone else. I'd recommend you to begin in your home. I believe the joy we receive of sharpening one another coincides with what Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3-5 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." Paul then goes on to testify to the humility of Christ; which also revealed the Divinity of Christ. I'd encourage you to read it.

Get your tools out. Go out and sharpen one another. In doing so, we proclaim the Gospel. We model theology with application. We lift one another up and marvel at how lovely the bride continues to be.

Jonathan, I hope you find your dad.