The Cutting Edge

Today’s story, found in 2 Kings 6:1-7, is an example of a Christian busy bee who lost his effectiveness, who lost his cutting edge, while he was busy working. “As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. ‘Oh no, my lord!’ he cried out. ‘It was borrowed!’” (v. 5).

The axhead here represents the cutting edge of life, a life that is being equipped with an anointing by God’s Holy Spirit.

It is possible to lose your effectiveness for the Kingdom of God while you are busy working, while you are busy going through the motions. The evidence of God’s blessing upon your life is not how busy you are—going to meetings, attending committees, or participating in church events. The evidence of God’s blessing is your effectiveness for Him.

This man was diligent, but he failed to see that the axhead was slackening and slipping from the shaft. When he became blind to what was happening at the cutting edge, the axhead fell in the water.

This is why Jesus told His disciples more than once: “Watch and pray. Watch and pray. Watch and pray.” Why? “[S]o that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). The moment you neglect time with God in a personal, intimate way is the moment you begin to lose the axhead of your life. That is when you begin to lose the cutting edge of your effectiveness for God.

Is there evidence of God’s blessing on your life, or have you lost the cutting edge?

Prayer: Father, I have been busy doing a lot of good things, but I realize that I need to be spending more time with You. Help me to get back that cutting edge. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.