SHARPEN THE EDGE

It is fair to assume, based on the bible, that before Adam and Eve fell, life was not meant to be a hardship but a ‘paradise experience’ to be had by two very capable earthlings directly in touch with the Lord, their Creator. There was no grind, nor grit. There was no 'iron' nor the need to sharpen it. There was no need for deodorant either, but then... "And He said to the man, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you ‘Do not eat from it.' The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground since you were taken from it. For you are dust and you will return to the dust." Genesis 3:17-19

So, if your job has you cutting timber, then wisdom would have you regularly sharpen your ax, or plan on working longer and harder. And if your job, or passion, has you serving food, by extension, wisdom would have you regularly sharpen your cutlery, to effect a good cut across meat, fish, and stubborn fruit and vegetables. As to personal ministry, which we all have a call to perform, what does it mean to 'sharpen the edge'?

With the faithfulness of God with us, His Spirit in-dwelling, and with the Word accessible, we can approach 'sharpening the edge' by being:
1. Men and Women of Prayer [Rejoice always, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, and in everything give thanks] 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18,
2. Men and Women of the Book [Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path], Psalm 119:105
3. Men and Women who Witness [...be ye DOERS of the Word, and not hearers only...], James 1:22
4. Men and Women of a Separated Walk [WALK in the Spirit and do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh], Galatians 5:16
5. Men and Women who Give [The Lord loves a cheerful GIVER], 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
6. Men and Women of a COMPASSIONATE HEART, [Love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength and LOVE thy neighbor as thyself], Luke 10:27
7. Men and Women of Faith, [But without FAITH, it is impossible to please Him] Hebrews 11:6

Brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, let's 'SHARPEN THE EDGE', one day at a time, starting now, to do 'heartily as unto the Lord...' The world will be a better place for it! In summary, 'wait' on the Lord, and 'be of good courage'... That, friend, is wisdom.

PRAYER: Beloved Father and most gracious Heavenly King, thank You for Your loving kindness which sees us through each and every day. Guide us, Holy Spirit in Jesus' name. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington