The Right Knife for the Job (This Week in the Kitchen - 2)

As I was preparing a meal, I needed to chop the vegetable into large portions. A steak knife was most easily within my reach, so I grabbed it. Because there was not much chopping to do I chose to opt for the ease of grabbing this knife over taking the few extra steps to get the proper night for the job. Although the steak knife was capable of performing the task needed, it required more strength and time than had I taken the few steps and retrieve the French knife.

My husband uses the French knife for everything. It is the largest knife in our kitchen set. I guess he believes bigger is better. He makes it work, but there are many times that a paring knife would be much more easily manipulated for small cuts. Also the serrated bread knife is by far the best choice for cutting those fresh-out-of-the-oven loaves. Each knife is designed a little differently for its own unique purposes.

Master chefs value their knives above any other equipment in the kitchen. They know the exact feel and use of each. Watching the shaft with good chopping skills is a pleasure. Although I can properly manipulate the knives, I do not come anywhere close to the grace and speed with which they work.

The word of God has been called the sword that the Spirit wields. As well-trained servants of the Most High King, we are to wear the armor for spiritual warfare. (See Ephesians 6) A sword is the blade that is used to cut down the devices of an enemy. There are many times that blades are used. Some are warfare, but others are in the preparation and presentation of a wonderful meal. The same is true with the word of God.

Just as chefs study the culinary arts and learn how to use their knives, we are to study the word of God and learn. “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) The more time that we spend preparing to share the word of God better and presentation of His love will be.

The gospel is beneficial to every area of one’s life. Paul shared the extensive value of the Scriptures with Timothy. “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)” (2 Timothy 3:16 AMP) There are several different purposes listed in this verse. How we present this valuable message is very important.

The proper Scripture must be used for each circumstance and person. The Bible is not a one use or one-size-fits-all book. There is a right word for each person at the right time. To truly bring life in a loving way, each of these purposes should be presented in different ways. Our main motivation must be love. “Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (Ephesians 4:15 AMP)

Instruction in the Word of God is presenting food to another. “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP) Sharing the gospel should be done in a manner conducive with cutting fresh bread. Love and kindness must be in our voice and hearts as we present Scriptures that will lead to growth in one’s relationship with God. Wisdom will guide our words.

Reproof and conviction of sin also comes from the word of God. This message may often be presented in small gentle cuts like a paring knife. The Holy Spirit’s intent is to only take out what is harmful or unnecessary without harming the rest of the beloved soul. He would never hack away with an oversized blade and harm the person that He is correcting. He uses precise accurate cuts. “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) When we feel led to confront someone it should be in that same careful manner that’s only aim is to remove the harm but preserve the person.

Correction and discipline comes from seeing the truth. Erroneous teaching or thought is corrected by hearing this truth. God will show us the proper passages to share at any given time. We must be obedient to follow His plan to feed and not overwhelm a younger believer.

Teaching others to use the knife on their own is the greatest job. A knife used by each individual has the most benefit. As believers begin to study the Scriptures for themselves they receive the most value. We must know when to allow to learn on their own. The Holy Spirit wishes to teach each of us directly.

There is no one knife fits all needs and there is no one Scripture fits all either. So be careful to skillfully and lovingly present the word of God. Use your knives correctly and carefully to bring life.