Nothing But An Ax

Does an ax exalt itself above the one who chops with it? – Isaiah 10.15, CSB

The picture of an ax exalting itself above the one using it is ridiculous. Even if the ax is top-of-the-line in quality, the ax accomplishes nothing without being in the hands and being swung by its owner. The sharpness of its blade in action is not witnessed if it sits by itself in the shed. In fact, there is no sharpness of the blade without the owner sharpening it. It has no power. A tree is in no danger from the blade of the ax if the ax rests upon the trunk of the tree. It cannot do anything without the purpose and strength of its master. 

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples. 

Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. – John 15.4-5, CSB

Nothing. Living in any way that pleases the Lord is not the sole result of our own abilities. Instead, it is the result of God’s working in and through us to live godly and righteous lives. It is God himself who works in us to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2.13). It doesn’t mean that we don’t have a responsibility in our following of Jesus. We are called to work out our own salvation, provided by the Lord, with fear and trembling (Philippians 2.12). But the very fact that we’re saved or have any desire to work it out with fear and trembling comes from the Lord.

Listen to Peter’s words.

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. – 1 Peter 1.3-11, CSB

God has given us everything required for life and godliness. This comes through the knowledge of Jesus, who called us by his own glory and goodness. He didn’t call us because of our glory or goodness; instead, he called us according to his own. And we didn’t call him; instead, he called us. And while we are unable to live out godliness without what he furnishes, it is our responsibility to “make every effort to supplement” our faith with what he provides.

So, let’s remember who we are. Let’s remember that we can accomplish nothing without him. We are the ax that lies dormant with no ability to do anything without Jesus. Let’s find peace and joy in being used by the Lord. Let’s repent of our prideful and elevated views of ourselves or our abilities, and instead, give glory, praise, and honor to Jesus, who has accomplished everything for us and is today accomplishing everything in and through us. As we recognize our utter and complete dependence upon him, let’s make every effort to follow and obey him as he grows us and uses us for his divine purpose and glory. And in all of this, let’s celebrate with passionate and overwhelming joy because we belong to Christ. Even writing those last words brings a smile to my face. How humbling and magnificent it is to know we belong to him. Fellow ax, let that sink in.