Tag: productivity

Sharpening Your Ax

Published on by Kim

If the ax is dull,
And one does not sharpen the edge,
Then he must use more strength;
But wisdom brings success. Ecclesiastes 10:10

So you want to cut down a tree. Is it worth the time to sharpen the ax before you use it? Even if it takes a few minutes and some effort?

ABSOLUTELY!

Please don’t waste your limited energy trying to do hard things without the best tools you can use. When you take a minute to plan the best way to tackle a project, you save time working as well as work itself. Time spent getting a little bit better at different skills will give you sharp tools in your tool box, preparing you for each task down the road.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser… Proverbs 9:9a

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. Proverbs 19:20

The more you know and apply, the better you can do what you need to do. The wiser you are, the better you will be able to know what needs to be done.

Wisdom seeks teaching and absorbs it, and wisdom brings success.

Using Your Time Wisely

Published on by Kim

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

How do we make the best use of time? That’s a HUGE question, and one we will not cover completely. We discussed this briefly in an earlier post. But still there are a few more points to help us make the best use of our time today.

In the verses earlier in Ephesians 5, we can see more background on the “unwise” and “evil” from the verses above. As much as we would like to walk in sunshine each and every day — and though we DO walk in light if we are children of God — that does not mean the darkness is not real or present. Sin abounds. Part of walking wisely will involve the rejection of sin and acts of darkness and evil. We need to be careful to watch for habits that support what is wrong (i.e., laziness, gossip, selfishness). Getting together with a friend can be valuable and enriching time, or it can be a gossip session that tears both of you down. Taking care of our responsibilities is necessary, but only as an expression of our love for God and our neighbor — not at the expense of those loves! Guard your heart and home, and you will be using your time well.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

The next verse gives more detail on the foolish vs. wise contrast. If we are wise and making the best use of our time, we will be continually wrapping our minds around what the Lord’s will is. What has He said is right? What pleases Him? What will reflect His character and glorify Him most in any situation? This, of course, will take time in the Word — as much as you can wrestle into the schedule at this season of your life.

These parts of using your time well are harder than some others. Remember, although it can be a struggle, the reward is great!