“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Psalm 27:17 NIV)
My neighbor of over 30 years passed away not too long ago. His name was Dr. Robinson. Note that we just called each other “Pastor.” But Dr. Robinson, was not only a pastor, a friend, an example of a good family man, a scholar, and one who lived a godly life; not only was he a great role model for men on this Father’s Day; he was much more. He wore many hats, and when I say many hats, I am not limiting the term “hats” to pastoring, leading, preaching, teaching, the hat of a Bible scholar; constantly learning from the word, the worship leader hat, the encourager hat, and other hats. He wore the hat that would fit the soul winner, church maintenance helper, feed the needy laborer, and a technician hands-on specialist at the church while still fulfilling his commitments to God, family, and kingdom building. Yet, Dr. Robinson had another “hat” that I am sure other preachers would attest to, but I can only speak for myself. I call it “this hat.”
It did not matter where our paths crossed, he wore “this hat” that I am about ready to describe. I could be at the mailbox when he was driving by my house, and he would put on “this hat.” We may pass each other driving opposite directions down our neighborhood street, and he would put on “this hat.” Occasionally I would spot him in the far corner of a coffee shop located in a big box store around the corner, reading the word of God and making notes. When I boldly interrupted him just to say hello, yes, he would put on “this hat.” He would attend a small group Bible Study class at the church where I serve and afterwards, we would chat about the lesson, but before he left, he put on “this hat.”
“This hat” was shaped in the form of two questions. First, Dr. Robinson would ask, “What are you preaching on Sunday?” Second, he would pose a follow up question, “What’s your text?” It did not matter if it was early in the week or late Saturday afternoon, if I ran into Dr. Robinson, he would put on “this hat.”
I concluded that “this hat” served a purpose. I believe God was using Dr. Robinson and “this hat” to make sure I was always preparing to preach the word and to never, ever, not from here to forever, be found waiting to the last minute to spend time asking the Lord, “What shall I tell your people Sunday?” “This hat” held me accountable. “This hat” made sure I approached God in a timely manner to benefit from His leading me to a specific passage. Oh, I may not have been able to answer Dr. Robinson’s two pertinent questions on Monday mornings, nor would I always have the sermon done before the weekend, but I always made it a point to prayerfully try to know what the Lord has to say the upcoming Sunday by Tuesdays! I still do that too! Thank God for Dr. Robinson and “this hat.” Thank God he took to heart, “iron sharpens iron.”
I know that not all of you faithful readers are not preachers or pastors, but there is a takeaway for every believer. Maybe we should ask questions of each other more frequently, holding each other accountable and helping assure we give a priority to hearing, remembering, and responding to God’s word. Questions like: “What are you studying in the Bible?” “What passage did you read today?” “What was the sermon about yesterday?” “Can you tell me what God had to say specifically to you?” Whether anybody does or does not ask you such questions, my advice to you is be ready. Someone just might approach you soon and they may have on their unique version of “this hat.” Enjoy your worship experience today! Take good notes! Smile! Be blessed!
“And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24 CEB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King