Losing Our Edge
Did you know a dull knife can be more dangerous than a sharp one? It's true! Without that razor edge, you apply more pressure and risk slipping as the blade catches. Who knew?
Similarly, spiritually dull Christians pose hazards, too, often without realizing it. Now, I'm not suggesting we go around stabbing people with convictions, but lukewarm faith does subtle damage.
When passion cools and vision blurs, we drift along numbly. Rather than piercing darkness, our words and witness lose edge. We fear ruffling feathers with truth. But Proverbs 27:6 says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend,” meaning caring rebuke holds more value than mute passivity.
We recently discussed how Revelation 3:16 warns the indifferent church of Laodicea, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Ouch! God prefers cold-hearted honesty over tepid lip service. Apathy sickens Him. He’s tired of his children just going through the motions.
But why? Well, dullness spreads, friends. When leaders lack conviction, congregations grow sleepy and even absent. Watered-down preaching leads to weakened men. Tolerating sin deadens testimony faster than cancer kills.
As Proverbs 27:17 instructs, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." We need relationships that gently hone our faith's edge through godly correction. We need to be willing to cause some friction if the goal is to sharpen one another rather than just going along to get along.
Let's encourage spiritual vitality in one another, not just politeness! Speak the truth with compassion. Challenge assumptions with humility. Choose growth over comfort. The path of holiness leads through pruning.
These words sting my own heart first. I fight the numbing pull of complacency daily. It feels safe and easy to stay in our comfort zones, but just like that dull knife, our decision to stay put may prove far more dangerous than moving forward. Join me in praying for revival fire! Our world needs vibrant faith lived out. Christ's love compels us!
So let's sharpen our spiritual swords, friends. Whet the blade of God's Word and fan holy passions. We only have one life to glorify the Lord. No time for coasting! Together, we can cut through darkness with love, truth, and vision. Stay sharp out there!