This week, I had multiple conversations about the power and importance of relationships. One person suggested that the future of our region depends on forging new connections grounded in mutual understanding and shared goals, a kind of “civic infrastructure” that supports everyone. Another emphasized the need to open doors widely, so influence and opportunity aren’t limited to a select few. As I reflected on these ideas, I kept coming back to one thought: every breakthrough we seek, whether in personal growth, professional success, or community change, is on the other side of the right relationship.

For years, I’ve heard the phrase “Iron sharpens iron” so often that it’s easy to forget it comes from scripture.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

But what is iron, really? Iron is a strong, abundant metal essential for building tools, structures, and sustaining life. Its strength and versatility have made it a symbol of resilience and fortitude throughout history.

Do you believe we’re meant to be tools in God’s hands? I do, and that’s why this analogy of iron resonates so deeply with me. In the Bible, iron represents power, but also refinement. In 1 Samuel 17, Goliath’s iron armor symbolizes strength and invincibility. But we’re also reminded that iron is sharpened through friction, a process of refinement. Likewise, God often sharpens us through our relationships, shaping us to be more effective, compassionate, and purpose-driven.

This process of “iron sharpening iron” is true not only in our personal lives but also in our work environments. In our teams and workplaces, we encounter people who help us grow, challenge us to see things differently, and push us to be better leaders and collaborators. Our colleagues, mentors, and leaders are part of the community that shapes us, refining our skills and expanding our perspectives. Just as iron sharpens iron, strong work relationships bring out the best in each of us, leading to growth, teamwork, and collective success.

Like iron, we have the capacity to shape, strengthen, and refine each other. Whether in our families, our communities, or our workplaces, we’re not just individuals; we’re instruments of growth for one another, helping to build resilience, character, and purpose. Our interactions, like the sharpening of iron, refine our edges and prepare us to become stronger leaders, colleagues, friends, and community members, ultimately forging a more resilient team and community.

Each of us is called to go through refinement, and sometimes that comes through hardship. I’ve faced many challenges in my life and career, have you? I’ve come to see each hardship as a tool God uses to sharpen my faith and character. Every time I’ve had to take a significant step forward, it was a relationship that gave me the support I needed. Make no mistake, I had to do my part, but it was the relationship that propelled me forward.

What about you? Has a relationship helped you overcome a challenge, reach a new level, or find clarity in your purpose? We each need people who sharpen and inspire us, challenging us to become our best selves. Let’s be intentional about building and nurturing these relationships, not only for our own growth but to create stronger, more resilient communities and workplaces. Remember, our journey is shaped not just by what we do but by who we connect with along the way.

Survey Question: Do you believe that the right relationships, whether at work or in the community, can lead to breakthroughs in your life?

And a BIG Thanks to those of you who have purchased the workbook