Dare Reach for the Sword

Scripture: In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:16-17

Observation: One of the last recorded words of Paul is this metaphor ... the armor of God. He tells the church at Ephesus to be armed for battle, and then goes through a list of literal armor but associated with spiritual capabilities and preparations. For the basic everyday armor, truth is a belt, God's approval is a breastplate, and shoes are part of spreading the gospel. However, when it is time for battle, you take up certain battle gear. Faith is a shield, salvation from Jesus is a helmet, and one's sword is the word of God. It is the only offensive weapon, and it is also aligned to the Holy Spirit.

Application: Pastor Phil talked yesterday that we are not in a time of chaos, but in a time of conflict. That is becoming so very clear. Conflict is everywhere, permeating every topic, and is even affecting church leaders.

I want to go on the offensive. I want to confront, correct, and thus improve the situation. However, I am likely the wrong person for such a task. For one thing, for the offensive, the only proper weapon is God's word, inspired by the Holy Spirit. I am weak in the Spirit, and my first inclination is to fall into logical discussions. I am not the kind of person who often calmly leans into biblical learning as inspired by the Holy Spirit. This should make it clear enough that, if there is need for correction by way of confrontation, I am not the person to lead such a conversation.

And yet, it needs to be done. We have people in our church who are creating division because satan is stirring conflict. By faith, I already have my shield in hand, and the Lord knows it has already absorbed fiery arrows aimed at me. I have on my helmet of salvation, confident as I am in the salvation that comes from Christ, and leaning into that truth every day.

Should I reach for the sword? I must only do this in cooperation with the Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, here I am. I desire more of you Spirit within me so that I may better serve you. Thank you for your peace in my heart this day, even while the tempest of the world boils. I will fight for your truth, as your will decides. Amen.