People have an effect on others either for good or for ill. The key is to surround ourselves with the right kind of people!
It can be tempting to gravitate toward people who are just like us. It is comforting to have friends who think we are wonderful and who agree with all of our opinions. The problem is that such people add nothing new to us. Because they see the world the same way we do, they do not challenge us or make us grow. They may make our life comfortable, but such people do not make us better.
Iron on iron involves impact and friction. Such encounters are memorable. They are anything but comfortable. But they make a difference. Iron that has been sharpened is far more effective than iron that has been polished.
It takes humility to welcome iron into your life. Life will not always be comfortable. Our pride may take a beating. Some conversations may be painfully awkward. But when we leave those encounters we will be sharper and of more use to our Master.
What type of people have you gathered around yourself? Has your choice of friends been based on your comfort or your calling? Are you too insecure to invite people around you who will make you better? Do you need to gather more iron around you? Do you need to stop resenting it when people act like iron upon your life?