by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

Proverbs 27:17

Just as iron is used to sharpen another piece of iron, so two strong friends make each other better.

According to "American Demographics" magazine, the typical American had known their best friend for an average of fourteen years. Seventy-five percent of those who are married say their best friend is married as well, and seventy percent of those not married say their best friend is not married either. Three in four friends say they would readily loan a friend $1,000. Seventy-one percent of friends said they'd put their life on the line for their best friend, and fifty-one percent of friends said they'd move in with their best friend. Around sixty percent of those surveyed call their friend at least once a week.

Henry Ford once described his friend as such, "My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." Using that definition, who would be your best friend? Anyone? Many people view friends as people who simply fill the void of loneliness, but friends should be more than someone to be around.

A friend is someone who gives of themselves. Solomon taught much on friendship when writing Proverbs. He advises his son that a friend's love is consistent, and a friend should be one to whom you can go when in need. As he said in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

When you're in need of something, is your friend ready and willing to help? Is your friend someone you can approach when you have a need? Not simply a physical need, but do they help you spiritually as well? Good friends should not only aid you in the good times, but also help when you need it most.

A friend is someone who reflects Christ. Again Solomon tells his son in Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Christ Himself fulfills this level of friendship. He never leaves us but stays by our side in every need. Does your friend reflect Christ?

A friend is someone who pushes you toward Christ. Later in Proverbs, Solomon writes, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." If your friend isn't encouraging you to spend more time with God, move closer to God, and live more like Christ—they are poisoning you spiritually.

Good friends encourage one another in the Lord. They keep each other accountable and point out areas of concern. Just as iron is used to sharpen another piece of iron, so two strong friends make each other better.

Take a minute to think about your friends. Who do you spend much time with? Now compare them to how Solomon describes a friend. Do they match up? I thank the Lord for the godly friends He has given me that fulfill this description. They've challenged and sharpened me in my walk with the Lord, and they've been available and have given freely of themselves. Over the years, however, friends can change into different people. I've had some friends I had to break close fellowship with because of the direction of their lives. Be sure your close friends are godly, encouraging you in your walk with God.

Also, take a minute to think about who you are as a friend. Do you give of yourself to your friends? Do you reflect Christ? Do you push your friends closer to Christ? Ask the Lord to help you be the friend "that sticketh closer than a brother" and sharpens your friends spiritually.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalm 13-15 | Acts 19:1-20