Sharpen your sword for battle

Two soldiers go to battle.  Back in the day when swords were the weapon of choice.  One has sharpened his sword daily, always anticipating the day when he would be called to battle.  The other has not done the same and his sword bears the nicks and dents of domestic disputes among the peasants.  Nothing serious, a horse was stolen, some bread was taken.  Mostly he had just swung his sword at solid rock or pillars for the effect.  But the other soldier, he has sheathed his sword more than drawn it.  He was waiting for this day. 

On the field of battle the first soldier finds himself delivering fast, fatal blows to the enemy.  He can move quickly through the ranks as the blade's razor edge cuts a path for him.  Others see how quickly their comrades fall to his blade and avoid it.  His preparation has both prepared him to fight and preserved him in battle.

The other soldier is less fortunate.  Even when his blade strikes the enemy… it only wounds.  Often it doesn't even pierce the weakest of armor.  The result, he tires quickly.  Soon he cannot swing the sword as fast.  He waits for defeat.  The enemies around him can see his weakness and flock to it.  Ganging up on him, enjoying it.  He has fought valiantly but to no avail.

We are called as the first soldier to sharpen our swords for battle.  To be always ready, anticipating the call to fight.  And what is that sword?  We are told in the second half of Ephesians 6:17,

"and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." 

We must always dive into the word of God.  Daily sharpening our swords.  Preparing ourselves.  When the enemy comes to shake our faith then we will be ready to fight.  And as the first soldier, the strikes of a sharpened sword will be fatal.  Each attack will be decisive.  We will not tire easily.  But if as the second soldier we have misused our sword and have not seen that the blade is kept ready then we will tire and weaken and be more easily defeated.

A champion boxer would not stand a chance in a sword fight.  Nor would a marksman stand much chance against a Sherman tank.  Many wars are fought on different fields and while we may be confident in our abilities we must be prepared for the battle at hand.  Think not that your strength alone will save you.  And the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) which will protect you from the fiery darts that will come at you will not deliver the striking blows that the sword will.

We've all been called to battle. 

Recognize the enemy.  See where he is attacking you.  Which of your weaknesses does he have a strong hold on?  Search the word, sharpen your sword and fight the good fight. 

SDG