On a previous trip to the forest I spotted a freshly fallen tree. It was perfect for firewood. I could not allow it to lie there and decay. Therefore, this afternoon I set off into the forest with my trusty chainsaw to cut it in lengths that I could carry. Alas when I got to the tree and got the saw running I laid the chain to the log and my chain was dull. It labored and groaned and smoked as it chewed its way through. I had to do it not once but six times to make the log carriable.
My wife’s father always told me that a dull knife or saw is a dangerous tool. The sharper the better for then it will do its job quickly and without undue pressure. What should have been six easy cuts turned into sweat producing labor. Finally it was done. Next time before going off to do battle with a tree I will make sure my chain is sharp.
In Ephesians 6:17 Paul says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” If we are to be effective warriors for Christ we need to be sharp when it comes to the Word. We need to know what our Bible says. We need to know what we teach and believe is not merely our opinion or the opinion of our pastor. The only way to be effective is to be sharp and the only way to be sharp is to study.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 21, 2002
Spring of Life, 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453