(c) Anna M. K. Hazen 1999 – 2024 imperpetuity

The workman who wishes to excel in his craft must first acquire, and continually sharpen, his tools. In my workshop, I have a variety of tools for my different projects. If I didn’t keep the blades sharp or the brushes clean, my projects would be about as impressive as a rat in a dog show—lacking in quality and all sorts of confused.

As Solomon wisely put it, “If the iron be blunt, and he does not sharpen the edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom is profitable to direct.” (Eccl 10:10) Consider that: a blunt tool is like trying to cut through a steak with a spoon!

We all have jobs with specific tasks to perform. But if we’re unsure how to do them, or if we lack the proper tools, can we really accomplish our tasks effectively and efficiently? No. It’s like trying to fix a car with a paper straw—good luck with that!

Mechanics maintain and repair vehicles and other equipment. Each of these professionals has undergone some training to know the how-tos of their jobs. The same applies to our daily lives. Are we equipped to care for ourselves? Doctors (or at least those who claim to be!) tend to the sick; their training involves not only knowing how to use tools but also how to take care of those tools so they last longer than your average smartphone!

Solomon and Paul are teaching us a similar lesson: First and foremost, we must learn how to use what God has given us… Faith!

“…according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Rom 12:3 b)

Next, we need to understand what our roles require and how to apply that faith in our lives.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)

Then we sharpen our most important tool—our faith—by studying God’s Word, engaging in continual prayer, and standing guard against the rust, dents, and misalignments the enemy, Satan, might dare to throw at us. We’re tasked with caring for our physical tools: our bodies and our minds.

For example, you wouldn’t try to carve a beautiful design in wood using a butter knife, would you? That’s like trying to build a ship with a toddler’s sand shovel. And remember, you can’t use a drill bit to butter a slice of bread—unless you want to invite chaos to your lunch!

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Cor 6:19)

If we misuse our bodies or allow foreign substances to invade, we risk becoming sick—“knocking on death’s door” as they say. This is not the original intended use for this God-given tool! Fentinal is not the food God intended for us to injest.

In John 14:12, Jesus tells us, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

Now, how can we tackle these greater works without knowing what they are and how to accomplish them? Simple! We study God’s Word to discover exactly what Jesus did, how He did it, and the tools He employed: faith, hope, and love.

What I’m driving at here, beloved, is that we need to prepare ourselves to use all the sharpened tools (manifestations of the Holy Spirit—including faith) that God bestowed upon us. We must keep them at the ready, fully prepared to counter any and all attacks the enemy might hurl our way.

I hope this message has blessed you. Keep your wicks trimmed and your lamps filled with oil! The KING is coming!!!