Devotional: Stay Sharp

The Bible, in many ways, speaks to the need for our personal renewal, or growth – the need to “stay sharp.” Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.,” and 1 Timothy 4:7-8 says, “…Train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 

Charles Schultz said, “Life is like a 10-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use,” and God wants us to use every gear that we have. But sometimes we think of growth and progress as intimidating, but sharpening doesn’t take long if it’s done consistently. John Maxwell said it this way: “Change doesn’t always have to be drastic to be effective, but change is necessary to reach your capacity . . . every little bit of positive change helps.”

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you have stayed sharp in the past? 
2. Why is it important to stay sharp holistically – in every area? God wants us to stay sharp physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – but what happens when we only focus on one or two areas? 
3. What are the small steps that you can begin to take every day or week grow and stay sharp?
4. Think about some of the larger goals you might have in your life – how can you take small, minor steps of growth today that will yield progress a year from now? 
5. 1 Timothy 4:15 says, “Let your progress be evident to all.” What are some ways that you can measure your growth progress in the next weeks, months, and year? 
6. 2 Timothy 1:6 says, “Fan into flame the gift of God.” What are the gifts God has given you that you can continue to grow and stay sharp in? And what are the steps of growth that you can take to ensure progress is made?