YOU WILL HAVE TO CUT CROSS GRAIN, SO STAY SHARP.

Ecclesiastes 10:10  (ESV)

 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,

    he must use more strength,

    but wisdom helps one to succeed.

Over the years I have spent hours and hours  woodworking, During that time I’ve come to realize how much woodworking relates to our walk with God. I’m not alone..

Over a span of 10 days I am going to share 10 ways I’ve discovered that woodworking goes along with our spiritual life. Today I am sharing the 1st way I’ve discovered that woodworking affirms the spiritual life.

Cutting wood in the same direction as its grain grows is easy and makes clean cuts. But cutting cross grain is tough. You need a sharp blade, or it’s messy.

In a culture that’s cross grain to Christianity, we have to stay sharp in order to stay effective. I love the metaphor Solomon gives:

If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. —Ecclesiastes 10:10

Taking time to sharpen your “tools” in the spiritual life makes work more efficient. That includes your daily relationship with God, and it may even include additional training in areas of theology, apologetics, or Bible knowledge.

Dear Lord, help us to take the time to keep our tools sharp so that our spiritual life is more efficient. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.