There’s a scripture that my mentor often shares with me—“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”(Proverbs 27:17)
This simple truth reminds me that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. The people we surround ourselves with shape us. John Maxwell puts it plainly: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” That’s not just a catchy quote—it’s a reality worth reflecting on.
Who’s Sharpening You?
If I want to become a better version of myself, someone who lives out their faith with clarity and impact, I need people around me who challenge me, speak truth to me, and model growth. That requires humility. I need to be open to feedback, correction, encouragement, and even confrontation at times.
It also requires intentionality. I need to choose relationships that sharpen me rather than dull me.
This scripture is a good checkpoint. Ask yourself:
- Am I open to being sharpened?
- Who am I regularly around that helps me grow?
Three Ways to Live This Out
Here are a few simple, intentional ways to live out the principle of “iron sharpens iron”:
- Find a Mentor or Coach
Whether in your career, your faith, or your personal life, seek someone you respect and ask to learn from them. Let them know you’re serious about growth. - Join a Mastermind Group
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are focused on growing in a specific area. These groups often create accountability and stretch your thinking. - Invest Time in Reading
Books are a quiet but powerful form of mentorship. Learn from the insights and experiences of others. But don’t just read, apply what resonates.
Personal growth doesn’t happen by accident. Faith doesn’t deepen in a vacuum. Both are shaped through honest relationships and intentional learning.
So ask yourself again—who’s sharpening you?
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