HILLSIDE HELPS-If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10) The iron axe head is fashioned into its form, attached to a handle made of metal or wood, and then tightly secured. In order to sharpen the axe, the axe maker grinds away the blunt end and carefully sharpens the iron until it has a sharp edge. When new, the axe cuts its best, but after extensive use, the edge becomes dull or “blunt”. Anyone who has tried to use a dull axe knows that it requires much more “strength” and effort. Unless one stops and sharpens the axe, the work will be hard and eventually impossible. In this verse, I can see an important principle that will help us in all we do in our labors for the Lord. We start out with a new and exciting commitment, like teaching a Bible study, or leading a small group, or singing in the choir, visiting those who are sick or in the prison, or going out in groups of twos sharing the Gospel message. In the beginning, the thrill of doing something new for the Lord causes us to rearrange our priorities so as to not miss a single opportunity to serve God. We find ourselves ever thinking about better ways to do the work of ministry and the sheer joy it brings to our hearts. After a while however, the new begins to wear off and some of the thrill is gone. Even though we have sought the Lord to insure this is what He wants us to do, over time, we begin to lose interest and start making excuses why we won’t be able to keep doing what we have committed to the Lord. What happened to diminish our interest? Some of you have in the past traveled on the path of which I speak, or even are there now. Like an often used axe requires some sharpening, so our souls need refreshing from time to time. We have gotten so caught up in the work of the Lord; we have lost the edge in our fellowship with the Lord of the work. It is not intentional or premeditated. It just happens. If we continue on in our dull state spiritually, we only find it takes more and more fleshly strength to maintain our ministry. What we need is a “sharpening”. This requires us to take break from all the chopping, so that our edge can be restored. It means quiet time alone with God and in His word. It means more listening than asking and more stillness than activity. It requires an adjustment in our focus. We must take our eyes off the work of the Lord and put our eyes back on the Lord of our work. As we wait, listen, and learn, we find that this skill is more important than all the chopping we could ever attempt to do. Real success is not measured in the hours you spend in your labors as much as it is your attitude while you labor. What have we accomplished if we go through the motions with a heart that is not “sharp” and “in touch” with the Lord? Today, take a break long enough to examine your own hearts and motives. Ask yourself the question, “Am I doing this to please myself, or others, or am I doing all I do for the glory of God, My Savior. You will be sharp again, when you reassess what has caused you to become dull. Repent and then you will have a change of heart, renewed focus, and strength to labor for the Lord. The Holy Spirit will provide fresh new spiritual and physical strength. You are now ready to re-engage with a new determination to stay involved. (Bro Jerry) PLEASE SHARE
Posted on: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 11:44:45 +0000
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