Plan of the Day
I will encourage my team to speak up. They will sharpen me, and I will have the courage to sharpen them.
READ PROVERBS 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (ESV)
Iron Sharpens Iron
Over time, we get dull. Dull is dangerous. Force a dull tool and something bad usually follows.
Dull looks like drift. We skip the tie-off because it takes too long. We stop wearing safety glasses because they fog up. The standard slips and nobody says anything.
The only way back is friction – iron sharpening iron. On our team, that means speaking up. It’s constructive criticism. It’s a peer check before a critical lift. It’s a reminder to do the right thing the right way. It can sting a little but makes us better.
We hold each other accountable to stay sharp. One person sharpening another.
Faith in Action
Witnessing through our work means living these principles where we stand. Here is how you can apply this devotional today:
For the Laborer and Apprentice: Ask to be Sharpened
The Action: Don’t wait to be corrected. Go to a journeyman and ask, “Can you watch me do this and tell me if there’s a safer or better way?”
The Witness: You demonstrate a teachable spirit. You prove that you are secure enough to handle criticism.
For the Journeyman: Provide the Friction
The Action: If you see a peer taking a shortcut, don’t walk past it. Speak up.
The Witness: You show that you are committed to the standard. You are willing to risk an awkward conversation to help a team member.
For the Foreman: Praise the Sparks
The Action: When you see two workers correcting each other or discussing the safest way to do a task, publicly praise them for it.
The Witness: You lead like a Master Builder. You create an environment where speaking up is valued and where iron sharpens iron.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that I don’t always like being told I am doing something wrong. Give me the humility to recognize when I have become dull and complacent. Thank You for the brothers and sisters on my crew who care enough to correct me. Give me the courage to be the iron that sharpens them today. Amen.