Take Time to 'Sharpen Your Axe'

There's an old story about a man who was strolling through the woods when he heard the sound of chopping. On investigating, he came across a man, perspiring profusely, as he worked at cutting down a large tree. 

"What are you doing?" asked the walker. 

The response was abrupt! "I'm cutting down this tree, can't you see?!"

"That's not what I meant", said the walker. " I can see what you're doing, but it looks as if you have been working very hard at the job. I really should have asked you how long you've spent doing so!"

"About two hours", came the reply. "But the axe isn't as sharp as I would like it to be."

"Then why don't you take some time to sharpen it?" asked the bemused walker. "That would enable you to complete the job more quickly, and more easily."

"I don't have the time to do that - I have to get this tree cut down!". 

The same wise advice is given by the writer of the First Testament book of Ecclesiastes: "If your axe is not sharp, you will need to be very strong to use it. If you are wise, you will make the axe's edge sharp again. That is how wisdom helps you to do things well." (10:10; Easy English Version).

In our own lives, there are many ways by which we may "sharpen the axe". It may involve additional training; further education - academic, practical, or both; reading helpful books; sharing with, and learning from friends, colleagues, or others.  In Proverbs 27:17, we are reminded that "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

However, one method of "sharpening" is particularly beneficial, yet many of us are reluctant to employ it. It is "Rest". Have you heard the maxim: "More haste, less speed"? Sometimes working harder when depleted physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, actually diminishes results of our effort. Taking a rest - a short break, a brief nap, a day off, even a holiday - can restore energy, renew spirits, and revive optimism.

There are those who seem to think that Almighty God demands continual activity from His people. However, when we read the Scriptures, we discover that there a lot that refers to the importance of rest. Indeed, it starts at the very beginning. In Genesis 1 we read the record of the creation. Then, in Gen.2: 2-3, we read: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done." (emphasis added). This is repeated in the giving of the Ten Words (Commandments): "... in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it." (emphasis added).

An earlier commandment states: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." This is not, as some think, a restriction, because the Lord Jesus declared: "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath;" (Mark 2:27). To Father God, rest is not only good, but essential for fruitful, productive living.

When we look at the earthly life of the Lord Jesus, we see the same thing as, in spite of the demands being made upon Him, He often broke away from the crowds and "... withdrew to the wilderness and prayed." (Lk.5:16).

Peter, in his first letter, tells his readers: "... the Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." (2:21). Is it unreasonable to conclude that making certain to get sufficient rest would be one way by which we might "follow in His steps."?

So, how sharp is your axe?!

Take me to your leader!

Leadership is of great importance within any group, or organisation.  The question often is: "From which position does the leader lead?"!

This occurred to me, last week when, on a TV  News programme, I saw a number of young men in a swimming pool.  On the pool-side, speaking to camera, was a bearded gentleman of obviously Asian extraction (how's my political correctness, so far?!), who looked as if we was in his late forties.  According to the person who was translating, this person was informing us that these young men were having their last swim before fulfilling their destinies as 'suicide bombers'.  My first thought was: "If you, sir, are so keen that these young men detonate a vest, packed with explosive, and worn by them, why don't you show how important such an action is by leading from the front, and setting an example?  Why don't you don one of those vests, and blow up innocent bystanders - and, of course, yourself?!"

Of course, I suspect that I know the answer.  It's a bit like former British Prime Minister, Tony B Liar, sending British troops into Iraq, and Afghanistan - from the peace and comfort of Downing Street, or Chequers, and with a 24/7 protection unit provided by the Metropolitan Police!  In other words, these people - and I could name many more - are content to 'lead from behind' (and there's an oxymoronic phrase for you!).  Yesterday, as I heard the news from Pakistan, I wondered if the two 'suicide bombers', responsible for the worst ever attack on Christians, might even have been in that swimming pool!

I also thought to myself about the Lord Jesus.  Like kings and emperors of old, He leads His people from the front.  "... thanks be to God," writes Paul, "Who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere." (II Cor.2:14).  Jesus likened Himself to a shepherd, and reminded us that a good shepherd "... calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." (John 10:3-4).  Again, He assured His disciples that "In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:2-3).

In the old children's game Follow the leader, that is exactly what one did - the leader went first, and the others followed the example given.  Perhaps if more of these Islamist terrorists were to set the example, there would be fewer 'suicide bombers' causing destruction and death.  Perhaps if political leaders were still required to lead the troops into battle, as did those kings of old, there would be fewer wars - civil, or otherwise.

Take me to your leader - but assure me that he is a leader, and not a pusher!  Jesus said, and still says, "Follow Me!".  Those who do, discover that He is a Leader beyond any other leader; indeed, He is King of kings, and Lord of lords, and worthy of all that we can offer to Him.

Kaka

The third of the "Football Shorts" (provided by Christian organisation, Audiopot) is about the player who goes by the single name, Kaka. His is actually one of the names that even I recognised! Of course, there is another Who is often known by just one name - the God-man Jesus. Knowing about Kaka is one thing - actually knowing Jesus is something totally different! Kaka would appear to be a fine example to follow - Jesus is the One Who, alone, can provide salvation, full and free.

I may never be within a hundred miles of Kaka - but Jesus is with me (and with Kaka!) always.