Sharpen Your Sword

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." ~Ephesians 6:12-13

I'm sure you have heard this quote before.  But pause and think about it for a moment.  Do we really live our day to day lives with the awareness that we have a real and living enemy that seeks to corrupt our minds and destroy our souls?  Do we live complacency, or are we fully clad with a suit of armor, reader at a moment's notice to be called into battle?

And what about your sword?

In the army (back when they actually used swords), how many hours a day did a soldier spend practicing his swordsmanship?  Was he expected to simply run out on the field of battle without ever having practiced?  No! Rather, a swordsman brandished his sword every day, mastering the art, to the point that the sword became almost an extension of his hand. It became very natural to him.  The good soldier was adept at his craft and could fight well no matter the distractions.

You see, it takes practice.  Much practice.

We have been given a sword.  The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Our sword "is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

But do you and I know how to use this sword against the very real enemy of our souls?

Let us learn to sharpen our sword against our enemy and to prepare for battle.

What does this look like on a practical level?

If there is an area of sin or temptation that you are struggling with (ex. fear or worry), make a list of some Bible verses that remind you of the truth in that situation.  Memorize them.  And recite them often whenever you feel tempted in that area.

Remember how Jesus Christ used His Sword against the enemy when He was tempted in the wilderness.  He quoted Scripture at the devil.  Let us learn from His example and do the same in our own life, whenever the devil tries to spit lies into our face, let us turn on him and throw the truth in his.

As you go about this next week, may you sharpen your sword in preparation for battle.  May you clothe yourself in the whole armor of God, that you may take a stand against the devil's schemes.  And because Jesus Christ is on your side, you will win the victory.  Amen!