Be the Catalyst
I’ve always read Proverbs 27:17 very passively. “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” Whenever I have heard those words or heard anyone teach on them it was in the context of choosing your friends wisely. I always heard that you have to be really careful not to be influenced by those that want to drag you down and there is truth to that. You can be negatively impacted by those around you.
The great thing about this verse, though, is that it works both ways. Iron sharpens Iron. Instead of letting others influence you negatively, you could be the catalyst for positive change. Like constant waves, bad attitudes can wear down even the most rock solid people if allowed to continue to crash in. Rather than being the passive recipient of negative thoughts and actions, be proactive in your joy, contentment, and love for others. Always ask yourself how you can contribute to the circumstance you are in and the people that you influence. Do something good today to sharpen those around you and become a catalyst for godly change.