How to Sharpen Your Edge
October 29, 2012If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. Ecclesiastes 10:10
We have the capacity to be led by the Holy Spirit. But if your edge has been worn down in life, you have to exert more energy to get things done. God has given us ways to get sharp so we can make the big and little decisions, so we can have answers, and so we can advance.
CAST YOUR CARES IN PRAYER. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20-21a). Worries and cares choke the Word and make it unfruitful (Matthew 13:22), but praying in the Spirit and walking in love will sharpen us. Whenever you have a situation, don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything (Philippians 4:6).
ASK FOR WISDOM. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). God wants to fortify and strengthen you. If you lack wisdom, ask God—He will never reprimand you for asking. He desires to lead us both in vital areas and in the minor issues of our lives.
MEDITATE ON THE WORD. For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12a). The Word of God is sharper than the sharpest instrument known to man. Meditating on Scriptures will completely change and sharpen areas of your thinking. Our world is filled with weapons of mass distraction, but when you meditate on the Word, you are slowing down and taking time to contemplate.
God’s Word on your lips—the good news message of Jesus—can change somebody’s whole eternal track. Sharpen your edge by praying in the Spirit, by seeking God, and by meditating on the Scriptures. As you listen and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit, dullness will be replaced by razor sharp effectiveness.
God bless you!
Pastor Jeff
Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.