A Good Relationship between two men is vital. Our generation has seen what the absence of it has done, creating perverse sexual desires in some, leading others to live islands without regard to whom their sin affects. It is indeed rare to find a man with proper self and high esteem for other men that translates into a godly pattern of accountability

Iron is formed by applying controlled heat to ore that naturally occurs in mountainous land. The resulting metal is hard and resistant to breakage but must be shaped while hot and malleable. It is therefore a good choice for use in tools or all sort, from agricultural to weaponry.

It's interesting that once iron is molded for a particular use, it can be exposed to extreme heat again, reformed and used for an entirely different purpose. Some of those purposes are noble and others vain, but regardless of how it's used, iron is hard and resistant to change unless heat is applied.

Aren't men like iron? Often stoic in nature like a cold hard piece of metal, some are firm in resolve with attitudes that can't be penetrated or affected. Others are like malleable metal still under construction; they don't know what purpose they'll serve until the heat of trial and tribulation is withdrawn and they're hardened for service.

Solomon made an interesting observation in his proverb. He concluded that only a man can deal with a man regarding certain issues. While no man would even be alive were it not for a woman, the degree of a father's involvement in his life defines what a boy will become when he becomes a man.

But another thing vital to survival is the need for assuming responsibility and being held accountable by someone else. Such relationships are important because the hard core of a man is useless unless tempered by trial and applied to a task. Most of us won't even be diligent enough to finish a simple job unless we feel someone is depending on us and holding us accountable. In our world of isolation and distrust, it's no wonder that most men are so dishonest and untrustworthy. Such attitudes have become hardened into their core. They believe it is reasonable to assume a certain untouchable attitude.

I pray each man reading this will today surrender to the burning flame of God' stesting and allow himself to be molded and shaped on God's anvil by His hand. May we determine to reinforce God's work in not only our own life as a husband and father. May we as God's men keep each other sharp and ready for service while soft for God to continue shaping us. Above all, may we not allow ourselves to be used as a weapon for the enemy.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ez. 29:1-30:26 Hb. 11:32-12:13 Ps. 112:1-10 Pr. 27:17 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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