Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

Abraham Lincoln

In Stephen Covey’s book, "Seven Habits of Highly Successful People",he included the habit of “sharpening the saw”. What he meant was, in order to be successful, you must hone your skills in such a way as to gain the expertise needed to excel in your chosen endeavor.

We notice this is true in just about every walk of life. While many students are accused of being “teacher’s pets”, in reality they are the ones who are willing to put in the study to be an “A” student. Many athletes just seem to be lucky, but this so called “luck” usually stems from the hard work of endless practice. And on the job, fellow workers often have their own derogatory names for those who always seem to be promoted ahead of themselves, but they rarely see the extra work and preparation that these go-getters put into their careers that their workmates are unwilling to do.

But you and I know from experience that we always seem to do better when we practice, study, and prepare. It is a principle of life that Abraham Lincoln recognized, and it was an understanding that gave him a competitive advantage over others who seemed more likely to succeed.

It is this “sharpening of the saw” that will make all the difference in your service to God. So many people just “jump in” to religion without first finding out what God wants. Others will do the right things to become a Christian, but rarely pick up a Bible to find out from God’s word how a Christian is then supposed to live. As a result, many Christians live a sub-par life and fail to enjoy the benefits and successes that God wants them to enjoy.

Then there are those who understand one of the greatest “secrets” of success. They first find out what it takes to become a Christian, then they spend the rest of their lives finding out what God wants them to do…and then they do it!

One other thing about sharpening the saw: It will make your work easier. It is easier because a sharp saw cuts better. That’s why old Abe saw the benefit of spending twice the time in preparing for the work as it took him to do it, and it is why highly successful people of all ages have seen the need for the same before getting to the chopping down their own “trees”.

If it has helped great men throughout the ages in something as simple as life, just think what it will do for your service to God!

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15, RSV