The Smallest Weapon of Mass Destruction

 Have you ever been focused on being fully dressed for school that you would totally forget about that one textbook at home? Have you felt unprepared when you left that item? Imagine a soldier going into battle armored up from head to toe, however he doesn't have anything to fight with. It is always important for a warrior to have a sword with them at times. Using a shield may protect you but you still need something to defend you, a sword.

Paul mentions in Ephesians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬), “...and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” So far, you have read about each piece of armor that is connected with what we know as the "Full Armor of God," notice how Paul uses the Sword of the Spirit as the only weapon used as a part of the armor. I know some are wondering why not use an arrow or a sling to fight with, why a sword? A sword, although it may seem quite simple, but it can do some collateral damage, just as it is mentioned in the book of Hebrews: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

A sword is used to attack and defeat the enemy at close range. "Why does God want us to fight at close range, is He serious???" Well, if we were able to fight our battles from a far distance, we would not have growth. The most notorious gladiators are not the ones who fight from far away but up close and personal. The Bible tells us in James 1:2-4, ‭‭"Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

One person who can vouch for the need of the Sword of The Spirt is Jesus. If you read Luke 4:1-13, you would noticed that the only weapon that Jesus had in the wilderness while being tempted by Satan was The Word of God, The Sword of the Spirit. Satan even tried to quote Scripture but Jesus was able to withstand Satan's attacks with The Sword of the Spirit. 

There are going to be times when people will think that your weapon of choice, in this battlefield called life, is not strong enough, it's not sharp enough, it's not stable enough and that is why you have the shield of faith that would protect you from the arrows of doubts concerning your  Sword. You may have a couple of mishaps with your Sword and you may feel as though it's no big deal, but take time to "sharpen" it by spending time reading the Word of God daily. By doing so, you can fight effectively in your armor while preserving the "wear and tear." 

If we are in the army of God, what is there to worry about? He has supplied us with the finest armor and the sharpest and most powerful weapon known by mankind. It's time for us to face the ends in his face and FIGHT!!!