As Iron Sharpens Iron

             As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.  (Proverbs  27:17)

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit— immortal horrors or everlasting splendours. (C.S. Lewis, Weight of Glory)  

I’ve joined a spiritual formation Bible study at my church, and one of the assignments involves looking back at the influences that have shaped my life. It’s supposed to take an hour. Excuse me while I laugh. One of the questions has to do with people who have influenced me. Coincidentally, I recently started (and gave up) reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. His first set of meditations had to do with a whole list of people who had influenced him. He was able to describe such concrete benefits.

My own list, as I’ve considered it, is more extensive than his, but I tend to think along the lines of the Lewis quote above. I see every person I’ve ever encountered as influencing me, and generally, as being an influence toward everlasting splendor, immortal horror or both (usually alternating). To complicate the matter a great deal more, I tend to consider every author and every actor (or screenplay writer) I’ve read, seen, or heard as influencers. Even my pets belong on the list. Of course, “All animals are equal. Some are more equal than others. (Orwell, George, Animal Farm) The same is true of influencers. Influencers sharpen us, like iron sharpens iron.

          However, ironing sharpening iron is like people being everlasting splendors or immortal horrors. Sharp iron can plow the ground or break up soil, or it can cut off a head or stab through the heart. And the sharpening process can involve both good and bad things that produce either good or bad consequences. What someone meant as harm, God – or you – can intend for good. So, to every single one of you who have ever as much as walked by me, and even more so those who interacted with me over hours, days, or years, thank you. To all the authors (including screenwriters), speakers, preachers, and actors, thank you. To all the people who influenced those people to become the people who influenced me, thank you.

          And now, the moment of cringe – who are the people who have influenced you?