What does it really mean to "Sharpen one another?"

BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Proverbs 27;:

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

This verse is often used as a foundation for mentoring relationships, accountability groups and bible studies. The men's group I started at my church is called "IronMan Life Group", with this verse as the core of our mission.

On its surface, this concept is simple enough - we 'sharpen' one another, spurring one another to grow, to dig deeper, to be challenged.

The reality is a bit more complicated. I officiated my first wedding this weekend, and one of the points I shared was to "keep God at the center" going back to God's word as the "number 1 source". Again, this idea seems simple enough; have a God-centered marriage... but what does it really mean? What does it mean to "grow together in God?" What does it mean to make Him the "foundation" for your relationships?

I have been asking myself this question over the last few days since the wedding. How am I, after 8 years of marriage, putting God at the center of our marriage? In my IronMan life group, am I really doing anything to "sharpen" the other guys in the group?

I want to be someone who really does help to 'sharpen' those around me - to encourage them - to help them to grow.

While these questions focus around others; my wife, my friends, and even my family, I think the answer is even more close to home. The answer is me.

It's been said, "you can't lead others until you first lead yourself." I desire to put God at the center of my marriage and to encourage others around me, but the answer is not to focus on them first, but rather on my own walk with God.

• Am I striving to grow?
• Am I seeking out others to challenge me?
• Am I critically looking at the areas I need to change in my life?
• Am I asking for honest feedback from those who will give it to me?

The answer to all of the above is a definitive... sort of. I'm working on it.

Dear Lord, please help me to grow in You. Please show me where I need to change? Please draw me closer to you. Please make me the best husband, father, brother, son, and friend I can be. Please help me to glorify you and to encourage others as I grow.