Work Smarter Not Harder

Part 1 of 7 in Work Smarter, Not Harder

Parte 1 de 7 de la serie Work Smarter, Not Harder

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Brian Hunter · May 3, 2026

Scripture Referenced

Recap

Brian launched a new series, “Work Smarter, Not Harder,” out of an easy-to-skip detail in 1 Kings 5. Solomon, finally at peace after his father David’s wars, is ready to build the temple and asks King Hiram of Tyre for help, specifically naming the Sidonians as the best timber-cutters around. The Bible doesn’t spell it out, but Brian argued it’s clearly implied: a reputation like that doesn’t come from working harder with dull tools. It comes from keeping a sharp axe. A sharp axe improves production, cuts fatigue, and increases what you can actually get done, the entire premise the series is built on.

Before getting to the metaphor, Brian opened with a more personal question: what happened to the dreams you used to have that faded or died? That question sets up where the series is headed: identity, calling, gifts, and occupation aren’t abstract categories, they’re the actual tools God has given each person, and like any tool, they either stay sharp through use and care, or go dull through neglect.

This opening week didn’t resolve much on its own; it was a launchpad. Brian signaled the conversation would stretch over several weeks as the church walked through what it means to have sharp, well-used tools for whatever God has called each person to do, a series that would eventually work all the way through the story of Gideon.

Touch Points

1. What’s a dream you used to carry that has faded or gone quiet? What happened to it?
2. Where in your life are you currently “working harder” with a dull tool instead of taking time to sharpen it?
3. The Sidonians earned their reputation through preparation, not just effort. Where do you need more preparation instead of more effort?
4. As this series unfolds, what do you hope to walk away understanding more clearly about your own calling?

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