True Grit: Rubbing People the Right Way
True Grit:
Rubbing People the Right Way
I’m thankful for sandpaper people. They are the ones who speak a word of correction into my life whether I like it or not. They get my attention when I’m distracted and point me to Jesus. It was after a recent encounter with one of these sandy friends that I began to ask God, “Have I been like sandpaper to someone? And if so, what kind of sandpaper person and I? Most importantly, what kind of sandpaper person do You want me to be?”
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” I have had many cherished teachers and mentors throughout my life and although the “easy” teachers were always well liked, it was the teachers who challenged me beyond my comfort level that made the longest lasting impressions, which further developed my character and countenance. Growth only comes through conflict. Changes only come through challenges. Refinement requires resistance.
This leads me to my illustration. Sandpaper is measured by its grit size, or number of sharp particles per square inch of sandpaper. The higher the grit, the finer, smoother, and more expensive the paper becomes. Fine grit sandpaper is reserved for projects that have a higher value, while course grit is most widely used for less valuable projects. If “course grit Christians” tend to “rub people the wrong way” it’s because they haven’t considered the appropriate valuation of the person they have been assigned to refine. However, “true grit” Christians have the mind of Christ and therefore recognize the priceless value of every person’s soul. True grit Christians labor in love. Through their confession, a person can receive eternal salvation from Jesus Christ in a moment. Becoming a disciple of Christ and discipling others is a lifestyle which takes a lifetime, little by little. The filling and impartation of the Holy Spirit is the evidence of our intimacy with and discipleship to the Lord.
The word of God never changes, but our delivery can be inconsistent, leaving a lasting impression on those who hear it, for better or worse. Many Christians, including myself, have been called hypocrites, and for good reason. Matthew 7:5 says, ”Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” The two-edged sword, which is the Word of God, is the true grit we must first use on ourselves to remove the inconsistencies in our own lives if we are to effectively use it on others. The value we place on the resurrection life we have through the atoning blood of Jesus determines the value we place on others. Juxtaposed, “By the same measure we judge others, we also will be judged” (Matthew 7:2). We must first learn to love and appreciate the discipline of the Lord, in whatever form it comes, if we are to disciple others. Here are some helpful scriptures on this topic:
My Prayer
Dear Jesus,
I am yours. I am not my own. I was bought at the highest price through your shed blood on Calvary. Thank you for valuing me, even when I don’t value myself. I gladly accept the assignments you have for my life, because you truly have my best interest at heart. The wisdom of the world refines in the order of “course to fine”. But you, Lord, come first like the gentle flutter of a moth, then as the screeching of an eagle, and only if necessary, as the roar of a lion. You spared no expense for my salvation, so I will spare no expense in my devotional time, talent, and treasure. I love you because you first loved me. Please help me to love and value others the way you love and value me.