“A Keen Edge and Proper Technique”

  I recently cut down a number of trees in our backyard.  The labor intensive endeavor reminded me of the necessary components of cutting wood, namely, a sharp blade and proper technique.

   Sawing wood involves a blade with a keen edge and the realization that speed of motion rather than forced pressure best accomplishes the task.  The former component is obvious: a sharp blade cuts best.  The latter procedural aspect, however, does not so readily present itself to our understanding and technique.  For most people, including myself, the natural tendency involves pressing the saw blade against the wood with unnecessary force.  This adds superfluous and difficult effort to an already challenging task.  Greatly reduced strain results when we realize that a saw blade in contact with wood at a high rate of speed tends to remain in contact with the material it cuts.  I don't understand the physics of the matter, but I do know that most of the effort involves movement of the blade, as opposed to pressure.   We might say that friction rather than force gets the job done with much less strain.

  The same principles apply spiritually.   

   "The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

    "We… have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (II Corinthians 4:2).

    God provides the keenest of spiritual blades in the Bible.  It's double edge supplies more than adequate means to overcome our enemies, and when necessary, to accomplish the removal of undesirable elements within ourselves.  We go forth with utmost confidence that the Scriptures bear perfect capacity to accomplish God's purposes, never returning void when He sends them forth through faithful wielders of the Weapon (Isaiah 55:11).  Such assurance leads us also to handle the Word of God properly.  We apply no unnecessary pressure as we proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, but rather preach, teach, and confess His truth with much devotion to the Holy Spirit's powerful ability to administer the Blade in precise accordance with God's glory and humanity's need.  

    A keen edge, united with a confident and educated technique, provides for a far effective and enjoyable experience when cutting wood and when proclaiming the Truth of God.  May our Lord lead us in much assurance and much devotion to handling the Scriptures in skillful manifestation of their revelation of the person and work of the Lord Jesus.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

(II Timothy 3:16-17)

Weekly Memory Verse

   We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.  God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."

(I John 4:16)