Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.

We realize that the ax is a metaphor for succeeding in life.

It is important to success of any kind to keep yourself sharp. If a logger went to cut down a tree, he would automatically sharpen all his tools before he started. If they are dull when he starts, success will be more difficult. An ax must be sharpened several times during the work period.

In the same vein, a butcher sharpens his knives continually for quick cutting and slicing meat. Good skills can get dulled by use, if not used often.

A great athlete doesn’t practices his skills in the game. What is the point you might ask. We have all have tried to use skills that were once sharp. I have talked to young men who loved sports then went to college or to work and found out their skill levels in basketball, baseball and other sports dropped decidedly. What happened? They couldn’t or didn’t work on them so much because interest and time constraints changed.
A Christian is given spiritual power and tools to exercise that power.

Luke 10:19-20Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

In order to exercise what the Lord has given us, here are seven things to practice to sharpen your skills through wisdom.

1. Prov. 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of
life.

Your heart determines your attitudes; things that you cherish (love) prefer and actually pursue. Jesus said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart.” One of the most important actions of the heart is “out of it springs the issues of life.”

2. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

It is true that you are living your life today from the power of things you said and believe from the past.

If you want to change your life and sharpen your depth of wisdom, change your words to words of faith and have a positive attitude. Don’t continue to eat the fruit of fear, worry, envy, and lack of knowing the difference.

3. Jesus said to Jairus,” Only believe.” Make sure you believe Jesus is the Son of God; that He raised from the dead; that you are a new creation; that you have a better covenant based on better promises. Use what you have been given. Too many people are always looking for something new.

4. Acts 28:27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing.

Hard of hearing the gospel means your ax is dull and it makes everything harder to hear, understand, and believe. What are you listening to and where do you spend your time? Be honest, don’t play games with God!

5. Mark 1:15 The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.

Repent means to recognize when you do wrong and turn away from it. Not by your power but by the power of your new life in Christ. Too many Christians are dull of hearing when it comes to sin. Jesus said, we should come out from the world’s ways and be separate. It will free you from so much trouble.

6. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.

Faith is believing, saying, and living as if the promises of God are true. True faith comes from hearing and hearing the word of God. That is what Jesus did in His ministry. Go to church on a regular basis.

7. Phil 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.

Sharpen your ax! Quit going around in a dull fog. Be wise and do it!