Cutting an unwanted tree down for a Widow.
The blades on tools like chainsaws get dull over time and need to be resharpened. The blade on the particular saw I used was recently sharpened and it reminded me of a spiritual application.
We must be diligent to keep God’s word sharp in our minds and hearts. For that to be true, we must strive toward maturity, continuing to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” and as we do, training our senses to discern good and evil through applying God’s word to our lives. Hebrews says, regarding this,
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For ever one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." [Heb 5:12-14]
So The Holy Spirit here tells us that those skillful in the word of God, the word of righteousness, are those who are more mature, who have been trained to discern good and evil by reason of the use of God’s word in daily life.
And in order to use God’s word, we must know it, which is done through study. We should take great delight in studying God’s word and it ought to give us much joy. Through learning more of God’s word, we learn more of Jesus and see His glory, which is like finding treasure. The Psalmist writes, “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” [Psa 119:162] Proverbs encourages us to seek diligently after knowledge, saying,
"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of The LORD, and find the knowledge of God." [Prov 2:4-5]
The study of God’s word should consume our lives. These are the very words of our Father in heaven! In addition, studying God’s word and applying it makes it “sharp” in our minds, so that when we are struggling, having a bad day, doubting, going through a trial, etc., then God’s word is at our disposal and we are more prepared to face these situations victoriously.
Post: The Armor of God
Bright And Morning Star 