A sharper image
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
—Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
The Scene
I was 18 years old, in a new city, a new environment, and surrounded by new people. Yes, it was easy for me to make new friends, but I was taking a business statistics course with student peers I’d never met before. I was embarking on my undergraduate journey at a university with 41,600 students, and in this large class, I felt somewhat alone. However, I was determined to succeed.
The Challenge
There was no time to waste as the first exam was coming up in a few weeks. Therefore, I prepared for the first test, determined to ace it. I studied at home by myself. I went over the material by myself in the library. I found moments to learn by myself during my work breaks. And going into the first exam, I knew I was ready. I took the exam, felt great about it, walked out of the large auditorium, and waited to receive the results during the next scheduled class. I was ready to see the fruit of my studies.
The Initial Result
It was as if the auditorium had become an opera house awaiting the applause of my test results. Finally, the results were in, and when I received the folded exam with my score recorded and circled in red ink in the top right-hand corner of the first page, everything paused. Instead of figurative cheers and applause in that space, there was genuine sadness and disappointment. My score, while a passing grade, was much lower than what I expected.
Amid my grief, I saw a trio of female students celebrating and high-fiving. I assumed that they did well on the test. Curious to know their grades on the exam, I asked, “What did you all get on the test?” They responded by showing me their exam scores, recorded, and circled in red ink in the top right-hand corner of the first page. One score read 98, the other 98, and the other 96. I was in awe.
The Epiphany
I immediately recognized that this trio experienced something I could not experience alone, the power of togetherness. I realized that I was going about things wrong. So, I asked, “How did you all study for the test?” They each indicated that they studied together. I asked another question, “Can I study with you?” I asked. The trio said yes.
I remember us being intentional in scheduling time to study together. Going over each section of the course material, creating systems to recall the information, and understanding each item according to the multiple ways the professor could ask it on a test. We covered every subject inside and out. Our understanding of statistics increased exponentially. And within that community of four, we ensured that each person was best prepared for the upcoming test. Our relationships and interactions created an opportunity for growth. We learned from each other, challenged each other, and grew in the context of community. Iron sharpened iron.
The Final Result
I returned to the auditorium with my three new friends and classmates to take the second test. And while I took the exam personally, I felt more prepared because of the work done mutually. As a result, when we all received our exam results for the subsequent two tests, we each scored in the high 90s.
The Takeaway
The image of sharpening iron symbolizes a process of refinement and improvement. Similarly, engaging in a community makes room for learning, growth, and opportunities to support one another’s complete development. The wise saying of Proverbs 27:17 demonstrates the value of interacting with others to create personal growth and development of one’s character.
When we each live accountable and responsible for each other’s success and well-being, we can impact people’s growth mentally, physically, and spiritually. And more than increasing scores on an exam, we can influence positivity in this life journey. Therefore, take time and make space to sharpen and be sharpened by others. For in doing so, we may produce a sharper image of God.
—Carl Ricketts Jr., MDiv, BCC, is director of Chaplain Services for Loma Linda University Medical Center.
