Skillful Cuts by a Sharp Blade. (Armor of God 6)

As I began working in restaurants, I quickly found that one of the most dangerous tools in a kitchen is a dull knife.  Because it does not perform properly, the user is more likely to ignore safety precautions and in turn be cut.  Also the movement required to make proper cuts become awkward and require extra force.  This can not only cause injury to the user, but often results in poor cuts and damaged foods. 

A surgeon also requires the sharpest of instruments to perform delicate surgeries.  He would never dream of using a chipped or dull scalpel.  The results to the patient would be disastrous, and possibly cost a life. 

Likewise, a soldier does not enter a battle with a weapon that he is not sure is in top working order.  Whether a gun, blade, grenade or any other weapon, it must be in peak operating condition.  Knowing that the weapon will perform as needed enables the soldier to enter the battle with confidence.  This can be the difference between life and death. 

Like these tools of the trade, we are to utilize the Word of God.  “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:16 AMP)  We do battle with the spiritual forces of darkness by brandishing the Word of God to counter all lies.  The Word is powerful and sharp. “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 AMP)  

All of our craftsmen, chef, doctor and soldier, train extensively to become proficient with the tool or weapon they will use in their craft.  They must not only choose a quality tool, they must learn to use it skillfully.  They also use their skills regularly and refresh themselves on technique. 

 We must do the same with the Word of God.  The Word is readily available.  Many people own several translations.  And now with computers and other electronics, bible apps can be downloaded for free.  In English (or another predominant language) speaking countries, having access to our ‘sword’ is not as much the question as being able to use it properly. We are told to, “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”(2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)     

Our Ephesians verse states that it is the sword that the Spirit wields.  The definition of wield is to “govern, possess, or have control over.”  We learn the word, but allow the Holy Spirit to give us understanding and bring it to mind as needed. He alone must govern and control our use of scripture.   Jesus encouraged His followers,  ^“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say,  for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12 ESV)  The Holy Spirit is faithful to bring the word to our remembrance.  

A skilled chef takes great pride in preserving his knives.  He cleans and stores them with great care.  Medical facilities have stringent standards for keeping all surgical tools both clean and at peak operating status.  A soldier also cares meticulously for his weapon.  His gun is cleaned regularly, not just after it has been fired.  Bayonets or other blades are kept sharp. 

Likewise we must care for our weapon.  Our bible is not a book or an app on our computer or phone.  It is the all-powerful Word of God.  We must care for it by studying and keeping it in our hearts and minds.  It will cut through all the noise in our lives and fight off the lies we too often believe. 

The book of Revelation gives us a picture of Jesus, the living Word of God, wielding the sword.   “and from His mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday.” (Revelation 1:16b ESV)  Like this image of Jesus we are to face all situations in our lives with scripture on our tongue.  As we fight, it will cut down the enemy’s assault.  As we encourage, it will bring healing to the hurting.  As we praise, it will bring both beauty and a sweet flavor to our world.  This flavor will be enjoyed both by us and those we encounter.