Daily Power #263

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Prov. 27:17)

One day Amy approached me and said, “Okay, I just have to tell you something.” I could tell that she had put a lot of thought into this. She was obviously annoyed, but didn’t want to hurt my feelings.

“When you preach,” she explained, “your hands are so distracting.” Then she showed me exactly what I do. “It looks like you’re carrying a box.” She told me that everyone laughed about this. Not in a mean way—just in a would-someone-please-help-him-stop-so-we-can-concentrate-on-the-message way.

At first I was upset, but I took her words to heart because I know how much she loves me. So I watched a couple videos of myself. And she was right. My hands looked like I continually grasped an imaginary box, like I was continually lifting it from one side of the stage to another. So I decided—I’d put the box down.

There is a common saying: We don’t know what we don’t know. So often we are blind to our faults and shortcomings. A truth from a trusted friend is an absolute treasure.

A wise person seeks advice from close and trusted friends. Have you sought wisdom from those around you? Have you invited and welcomed feedback? Is there something others have been trying to tell you that you haven’t opened your heart to hear? Listen to those who love you.

Power Lift

Father, I’m grateful for friends and loved ones I can trust. Thank you for the ways they sharpen me and draw me closer to you.