I finally did it. After two years of mowing my lawn with dull blades, I loaded up that lawnmower and took it to my local hardware store to have the blades sharpened. And, when I got it home…wow! What a difference it made to the amount of time it took to mow my yard!
Why did it take me two years to do it? Why did I constantly have to mow portions of my lawn twice–burning extra gas–in order to have an evenly-cut yard? Why did I experience restarting my mower numerous times after it would get bogged down in tall grass? Why did I spend hours raking and bagging my grass when I had a mulching lawnmower? Why did I almost lose my sanctification over that mower?!
Why? Because I was not willing to take the time to sharpen the blades.
Let’s think about it. First, I would have to call my local hardware store to find out if they did such work. Then I would have to load up my mower, breaking down the handles so it would fit in my car. I would have to unload it, roll it into the store, return to pick it up, and unload it at home. Obviously, this entire process would probably require about forty minutes of my time.
Amazing! Forty minutes compared to hours of frustration over two mowing seasons. How crazy is that?!
As I reflected on this experience, I could not help but think of how often many of us fail to take the time to sharpen the blades in our own lives. We get so caught up in the routine, the stress, and the busyness of ministry that we fail to make the necessary adjustments needed in order to be better stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to our care. And such failure eventually results in problems in our lives and ministries.
I want to encourage you to consider the following four areas in your life that may need some sharpening at the moment. Take a moment to pray about these areas. Are there some small adjustments that you need to make today that will lead to significant results in the future?
Professional
How are things going in your professional life as a minister? Do you need additional education? More accountability? Maybe to take a course this summer? Is there an upcoming seminar or conference you should attend but feel that your ministry would suffer if you took the time off to participate? Do you need to begin writing a blog or a book? What about reading a book that is outside of your usual realm of expertise? I am reading some books that I normally don’t read–one in the field of innovation and one on how to give better presentations.
Health
Are there things that you need to do to improve your physical health? Do you need to get a physical examination? Take up regular exercise? Get more sleep? Several months ago, I purchased a treadmill, and it has proven to be the tool that I needed to get into a daily exercise routine. I started to enjoy it so much that when I travel I will often take advantage of the treadmills in my hotels.
Family
Are you neglecting your family on a regular and intentional basis in the name of “my ministry”? What are some things you need to do with your spouse? Do you need to begin a family movie and pizza night? Take a vacation? Weekend getaway? Take up a sport with your spouse or kids? Learn how to play bowling on your kid’s Wii so you can beat him next time?
Spiritual
Are you guarding your daily devotion time with the Lord? How is your prayer life? Are you intentionally sharing the gospel with others? A couple of times each year I will read and pray verse-by-verse through Proverbs. Right now, I have been slowly reading and meditating through the book of Deuteronomy. Make certain that you are not substituting your sermon preparation time for your personal devotion time in God’s word.
But I’m Crazy-Busy
When I was pastoring, I remember that this time of the year was a busy time.
With Easter approaching, there are many things to do. However, a little effort and time committed to personal development will be beneficial to you, your family, and your church. Such time for personal development taken away from the time you could be “doing ministry” is time well invested in the ministry to which you are called.
A failure to sharpen the blades today will guarantee frustration, discouragement, disappointment, and problems tomorrow.
Take the time now to make the necessary adjustments in your life. You are likely to become more refreshed and able to better steward that which has been entrusted to your care.
The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed” (Ecc 10:10, ESV). What is your God-given wisdom revealing to you today?
And now, my yard is calling again. In fact, I think I am ready to mow the entire neighborhood!
