Today’s post is the seventh in a series about putting on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:17 Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
There is power in words. The universe was spoken into being by God. How much mightier is His word than a mortal sword!
A stick of iron that is sharpened becomes a sword. A blunt sword is still a valuable weapon—good for hitting and whacking. But a sharp sword is better. We can sharpen our swords (understand the Word of God) better when we sharpen them in the company and with the help of other Christians.
Proverbs 27:7 tells us: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
We can gain better understanding when we read, meditate on, study and discuss God’s word in communion with other believers. Our swords—whether blunt or sharp—can be made sharper and therefore more powerful—when sharpened at the local sword sharpening shop of believers.
We do this not simply to be able to spout scripture. But because an understanding and application of God’s truth at a soul level, builds us up, fortifies our faith and guards our minds and hearts in a proactive way. And perhaps builds up, fortifies the faith and guards the minds and hearts of other believers also.
- When feeling afraid, we can recall: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4)
- When we are in despair, we can recall: Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)
- When we need protection and safety, we can recall: You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked. (Psalm 12:4)
The photograph of the sword at the beginning of this post is one of several “fantasy” swords hanging in my daughter’s room. It’s a thing of beauty.
When I imagine the sword of the Spirit, I don’t think of a heavy, bulky club. I imagine a sword—intricate in detail, carved with depth of beauty, elegant in its enormous power.
Except that God’s sword isn’t a “fantasy” sword. It is real. Grab hold.
PRAYER: Thank you God for your Word. Thank you Jesus for leaving the Holy Spirit to live in us, allowing us to equip ourselves with your armor. Holy Spirit please protect us inside as well as out. Please help us dive into your Word to better arm ourselves against evil. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? If you were making a movie, what would the sword of the Spirit look like?
