Who makes you better? As you look around, or look back, who are the people that challenge you to grow? I remember graduating from a small high school where I was a good student, then enrolling in a large university where I swam in a sea of good students. It was both intimidating and exhilarating. Going to class and studying with other driven undergrads sharpened my academic skills.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

I need iron on iron relationships to check my bad impulses and encourage the good. I need those who will call me out when I’m wrong, and make me better than I could be on my own. I don’t need more friends on social media, but I do need living, breathing human beings across my table.

Many good work colleagues sharpened me professionally throughout my career. I’m grateful for each one. Good friends continue to sharpen me spiritually and socially. And my good spouse sharpens me in many ways (or at least she tries—what’s so wrong with drinking milk right from the carton?).

When iron sharpens iron sparks fly. Dross and rust flake off. The loud and dirty process takes effort and humility. But the result? I’m much better off, and so are those around me.

Recognize and nurture such relationships when they come along—they arrive as a gift from the hand of the Lord.

Proverbs 27:17 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by C D-X