Cutting Grass With a Sword
Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 | John 1:1-18 |
I few months ago my eldest son, age two at the time, came running up to me with his giant foam sword. He began to swing it low to the ground, back and forth, over and over. I said something to the effect of, “Oh man! What are you doing with that sword?” To which he excitedly replied, “Cuttin’ da grass daddy!”
I further asked him, “What do swords do?” He gave the same answer as before. It then occurred to me that my son had never seen what that ancient weapon was created for. He had no understanding of its purpose, power, or abilities. In the mind of an innocent two year old, swords are apparently meant for cutting grass.
As I laughed to myself and marinated on all that my little boy is yet to learn of the world, a striking thought about his innocent ignorance cut through the avenues of my mind (pun intended) — “Many Christians are the same way.”
We don’t realize what we’re carrying.
We have the sword of the Spirit, meant as a weapon for taking a stand against the powers of darkness, but use it like any common yard tool for cosmetic purposes. We read the word lazily, sometimes only in church services, and often when need some quick encouragement. We google scriptures that give us that swift feel-good, but we rarely study and devote ourselves to the very thing written by God to help us know His character, and understand who He is.
In Ephesians 6:10-17 Paul implores the Ephesian church to put on the Armor of God, utilizing the power of His Spirit that fights our battles and helps us take a stand against the devil’s schemes.
“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. - Ephesians 6:10-17
The bible is more than a book, it’s the powerful, God-inspired, living testament of the transformational power that is available to us all through Jesus. Look at what Hebrews says about God’s word.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12
As it pertains to the holiness and transcendence of God’s word, check in John chapter 1.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” - John 1:1
When we mistakenly view the bible as just a great guideline or curriculum for life lessons, we dilute the power promised to us by God. The bible is not just a physical binding of words written on paper in between two covers; it is much, much more.
God’s WORD sparked all creation, casting planets into solar systems, and stars across countless galaxies.
God’s WORD raised mountains into the skies, and carved beds for the oceans to dwell.
His WORD parted the Red Sea, made the sun stand still, the lame to walk, and promised that His Son would come to justify us through the greatest of sacrifices (Isaiah 53)
His WORD is the same today as He heals the sick, casts out demons, and comforts the hurting. He speaks to those hungry for His voice and changes the worst of situations into miraculous displays of for His glory to be known.
Have you ever wondered why sometimes you don’t know what to do? Is there ever moments where things are so overwhelming that you just don’t have the ability to stand against the trials? Do you struggle with anxiety or worry that you are on the wrong path?
The Lord has given you His word that He has a hope and a future for you, and that He wants to prosper you and not harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). God’s promises, letters of love, protective warnings, and help navigating life’s struggles are found in the word He wrote to you. If you are not reading it, you will always struggle with hearing and knowing His voice. God wants to equip you to stand firm against all the devil’s schemes.
As my son grows, he will learn more and more about the world. At the appropriate time, he will be introduced to some of the harder truths. He will eventually be a man and will no longer act or think like the child he is now. For this season, I will cherish his innocence and protect it at all costs. For the next, I will show him that he has a sword called the the Sword of the Spirit that will help him throughout his entire life. As for myself and you, the time is now that we realize the power of God’s word. We are no longer children.
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11
CHALLENGE:
Take time to read the word every day this week. Couple that with a time of prayer, meditation, and listening.
Find one person to share with on what you read this week. Share what God spoke/revealed to you.
Start a routine where reading God’s word becomes second nature to you.
I am more than confident you will see amazing improvements, and a cool shift in your spirit this week if you dedicate yourself with an open heart to this challenge.
It is time to “…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)