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 of God, 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.
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