Sharpen your axe

"But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21 : 36

Good morning, friends.

Jo John, a woodcutter, worked for a company for five years but never got a raise. The company hired Bill and within a year he got a raise. This caused resentment in John and he went to his boss to talk about it. The boss said, "You are still cutting the same number of trees you were cutting five years ago. We are a result-oriented company and would be happy to give you a raise if your productivity goes up." John went back, started hitting harder and putting in longer hours but he still wasn't able to cut more trees. He went back to his boss and told him his dilemma. The boss told John to go talk to Bill. "Maybe there is something Bill knows that you and l don't." John asked Bill how he managed to cut more trees. Bill answered, "After every tree I cut, I take a break for two minutes and sharpen my axe. When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" This question hit home like a bullet and John got his answer.

Being an IT employee, I know I've to learn new things everyday. When some of my friends were interviewed, they were asked whether they know the recent version of the tool they use. As they told no, they simply got the answer, "We're sorry. You're technically good, but right now we're recruiting people for the latest version and we don't want to end up training you again, as we've immediate requirement." Past glory and education don't do it. In the same way, to be a true Christian, doing good works alone is not enough. How we are rooted in Christ matters more. The good relationship with God in the past is not enough. He expects more. Day by day, we've to grow in Him. Entering into Heaven should not be our goal. How we lead our life with the help from Above really matters, which in turn will automatically prepare us for the eternal glory. Now my question is, when was the last time you sharpened your axe?