“Sharping the saw” is a phrase that has been heard frequently the past several years. It refers to any activity that might serve to improve a person’s ability to function. Attending a seminar, taking a class, reading a good book, or taking time to rest or exercise are all ways of “sharpening the saw”.

Being with the right kind of people has a sharpening effect on us. The Bible speaks of this when it says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17). We are influenced by other people, and that can serve to make us better.

Of course, it could work the other way! Some people tend to make us worse! 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” We certainly don’t want to be influenced by people who lead us astray. We want to be influenced by the best—the best music, the best books and the best people.

We also have to realize that we have the responsibility to impact others in a positive way. It’s all a part of being the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

Let us always strive to be the kind of person that can sharpen others. And let’s look for opportunities to do so.