Who needs conflict?

I do.

I hate it, but I need it.

A long time ago, the writer of Proverbs said "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I have heard that verse talked about as friends gently encouraging each other, cheering each other on like buddies on the JV track team.

Now I confess to having no experience as a blacksmith, but is that how iron sharpens iron? When iron and iron come together, I do not imagine gentle. I imagine Braveheart-style two-handed longswords and the like. That is not cheering. That is conflict.

The description is that of two unyielding forces rubbing against each other hard enough so that little bits come off of one or both of them. Afterward, they are more able to do what they were intended for.

My thoughts and opinions are the same way. Unyielding until they come up against something else equally as hard. Then they rub and create friction and eventually come out sharper and better for it. Only through conflict does that happen, though. Without it, I am dull and therefore useless.

So I challenge you (and me) to disagree today. Create some conflict (maybe on this blog) and be the sharper for it. I do not like it, but I need it.