By Dr. Charles W. Ferguson
The most unsettling thing in the world to me is the feeling of being out of control. When my mind drifts without grounding, it’s usually a sign that I haven’t tended to my personal needs—emotionally, spiritually, or physically. That neglect slowly turns into imbalance. And when things fall out of order internally, everything around me starts to feel off.
The Word reminds us in Proverbs 25:28 (NIV): “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” When we are unguarded and spiritually exhausted, our ability to function with clarity becomes compromised. We are open to attack—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I’m learning that when I’m unwell inside, responsibility starts to feel like a burden instead of purpose. Love starts to feel like pity. Correction starts to feel like an attack. And lack—whether emotional, physical, or financial—starts to feel like a personal failure. The problem isn’t always what’s happening to us but what’s happening within us. We’re often functioning with malfunctioning hardware: our minds fatigued, our spirits weary, and our souls running on fumes.
Romans 12:2 (ESV) reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”Without renewal, we stay trapped in dysfunctional cycles. We begin projecting our pain rather than processing it. Even our best intentions are distorted by unhealed wounds.
As I reflect, I know there are apologies I owe—grace I must ask for—from family, friends, and loved ones. Because when I’m dulled by life’s weight, I become less gentle, less patient, and less whole. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV) says, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” This verse strikes me deeply. When we are dull—spiritually or emotionally—it takes more effort to do basic things. And in that struggle, we unintentionally cause harm to others and ourselves.
How can I ever become the man I aspire to be without slowing down to do the work of maintenance? The answer is: I can’t. Even Jesus, in the midst of His power and purpose, modeled moments of rest and solitude. Luke 5:16 (NRSV) tells us, “But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.” If the Son of God needed a reset, how much more do we?
I’m reminded of something simple but profound I once heard in the kitchen: it’s better to be cut by a sharp knife than a dull one. It sounds counterintuitive, but it makes sense. A dull knife takes more effort and causes more damage when it finally breaks through. A sharp knife cuts clean and with control.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit…” The power of sharpness isn’t just about effectiveness; it’s about discernment and healing. The Word cuts with purpose, not recklessness. And so must we.
When we allow ourselves to grow dull—burned out, resentful, unbalanced—we cause more harm than we realize. But when we stay sharp, we move with clarity, precision, and grace. We cut through life’s difficulties without tearing everything around us apart.
So here’s my word of encouragement—for myself, and for anyone else who feels like they’re on the verge of unraveling: Stay sharp.
- Stay sharp so your insecurities don’t injure others.
(“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” — Proverbs 15:4) - Stay sharp so love feels like love again.
(“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8) - Stay sharp so your purpose doesn’t feel like punishment.
(“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9) - Stay sharp so you can keep showing up as the version of you that God, and those who love you, deserve to see.
(“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10)
And if you feel dull? Pause. Reset. Breathe. Tend to your spirit. You don’t have to live broken just because you’re used to the pieces. God specializes in restoration.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV) speaks life into weary souls:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Let’s make a commitment together—me, you, all of us—to stay sharp.
Closing Prayer:
God of Renewal and Restoration,
We come to You acknowledging the wear and tear of life on our minds, bodies, and spirits. Too often, we’ve tried to keep going while neglecting the internal wounds that slow us down. Forgive us for moving without intention, for speaking without healing, for serving without resting.
Sharpen us again, Lord.
Cut away what is dull and unproductive in us.
Renew our minds with Your truth, restore our hearts with Your peace, and refresh our souls with Your presence.
Teach us to embrace the rhythms of rest and restoration.
Help us to love without injury, lead without ego, and live with clarity and compassion.
And when we are tempted to push through in our weakness, remind us that Your strength is made perfect in it.
We choose today to stay sharp—not for our glory, but so that we may be vessels of purpose, healing, and light.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Dr. Charles W. Ferguson 