Doesn't Cut It!

A DULL knife does not do a very good job of cutting. It takes extra effort to make a DULL knife cut through something, if it is able to cut at all. Sometimes a DULL knife ends up cutting the user before they are able to cut through what they were aiming to. Sharpening the knife makes it more useful and gets the intended job done.

Apparently referring to an ax, Solomon stated. . .

"(10) If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed." ( Ecclesiastes 10:10 ESV)

A DULL ax. A DULL knife. Even a DULL mind (or heart). Just "doesn't cut it!"

The Hebrew writer admonished those to whom he wrote for their DULLNESS of hearing. After making statements regarding the eternal priesthood of Christ, the writer of Hebrews went on to state. . .

"(11) About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, SINCE YOU HAVE BECOME DULL OF HEARING." ( Hebrews 5:11 ESV)

The Greek word translated "dull" is "nothros" which refers to being: indolent, sluggish, slow, or dull. [W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words] These Christians of a Hebrew background were slow to comprehend or accept the truth relative to Jesus. Holding on to their Jewish understanding, it was difficult for the truth to sink in. They weren't hearing. They weren't listening to take the truths to heart. Spiritually, they were not very sharp. They needed to open up their ears (and hearts) and listen.

Have we ever experienced frustration when someone is slow to catch on to what we are trying to explain? Have we ever said (or felt like saying), "Do you need me to draw you a picture?" Think how God must feel about us sometimes. I wonder how many times He could have said, "Carl, when are you going to finally get it?" Thank God for His patience.

So, how can we guard against DULLNESS of hearing? First of all we need to recognize how some things are "spiritually discerned" ( 1 Corinthians 2:14) and we therefore need to move from a worldly perspective. To sharpen our mind we need to develop and maintain "the mind of Christ." ( 1 Cor. 2:16) That mindset is sharpened by spending time in the Word to learn all we can about Christ and life to be walked in His steps.

Hearing only what we want to hear will not cut it when it comes to spiritual progress. Let us take to heart the Lord's urging of each of the churches addressed in Revelation to whom He stated, "He who HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR what the Spirit says to the churches." ( Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22) May we sharpen our mind so as to become better listeners to what the Lord has declared. Developing the "mind of Christ" we will be able to cut through the fat (ideologies and philosophies) of the world and enjoy the meat of the truth that will nourish our soul.

Have a great day DEVELOPING A SHARP MIND FOR GODLY LIVING!
Carl

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