Upgrade Your Relationships

"Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another." This powerful proverb serves as the foundation for understanding how relationships can be upgraded and refined through mutual influence and growth. - Proverbs 27:17

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings offering practical principles for living a life aligned with God's wisdom. These are not commands but universal truths that guide us in our pursuit of God’s ways. Proverbs provide insight into the mind of God, helping us navigate beyond simple "dos and don'ts" to embrace a nuanced understanding of living a kingdom-centered life.

• Environment and Design: God creates the environment and designs us uniquely. Our quirks and idiosyncrasies are intentional, reflecting God’s good design.
• Shaping and Sharpening: Like iron shaped by heat and sharpened by another piece of iron, our relationships play a critical role in sharpening our character and resolve. This process is intended to intensify our purpose and align us with God's will.

Understanding where to place people in our lives is crucial. Not everyone should have the same level of access:

• Outer Court: Where everyone can engage. It's a space for general interactions.
• Inner Court: More sacred, requiring alignment and trust.
• Most Holy Place: Reserved for the most intimate relationships, where vulnerability and trust are paramount.

Misplacing people can lead to unnecessary harm, as allowing the wrong individuals into our most sacred spaces can lead to emotional and spiritual wounds.

Friction in relationships is not necessarily a sign of separation but an opportunity for growth and formation. Just as iron sharpens iron through friction, our interactions can refine us. This calls for discernment, as not all friction is harmful; some are necessary for sharpening our spiritual and emotional edges.

Struggles in our horizontal relationships with others often reflect issues in our vertical relationship with God. Addressing these struggles requires running towards Jesus, inviting Him into the intimate spaces of our lives, and being honest about our disappointments and questions.

In the kingdom of God, relationships are about making peace and striving for unity, even amidst diversity and disagreement. This requires a commitment to love beyond comfort, listen attentively, and engage with others intentionally.

Upgrading our relationships involves recognizing the purpose of sharpening, placing people appropriately in our lives, and embracing friction as a tool for growth. By aligning our relationships with kingdom principles, we position ourselves to advance God's purpose with precision and power, ultimately becoming instruments of divine influence in the world.

For the kingdom,

Pastor Winfred