Cutting deeply?

Cutting deeply?

In my last post we looked at the issue of either to run away from issues, ignoring them, shutting our eyes and whistling in the dark, or to stand and fight like a man! Ephesians 6 tells us we have been given the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This is an offensive weapon.

God has given us his Word, holy, alive, sharp, turning this way and that, cutting deeply to the vital parts of our lives. Heb 4:12 tells us it penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, like a scalpel, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

This means that the Word of God lays bare what is happening inside us. It shows us clearly what may have previously been hidden from our eyes.

The battlefield is not out in the air around us, as though we were tilting at windmills like Don Quixote. The battle is being fought in our mind. It is in our mind that we need clarity, was that attitude that just came upon me in accord with the teachings of the Word - or was it of some other spiritual source? What about my views of that other person - is this the way God thinks or does the Bible show I need to change?

The enemy is the arch deceiver. He has deceived the whole world (Rev 12:9). He would like to work underground in our minds, planting thoughts of jealousy and hate and division. The Word brings these thoughts to light and enables us to put off the works of the flesh.

The Christian is on a journey with God, the journey called Sanctification. We need a guide which will make plain what is right, what is wrong, what is of God, and what is of the evil one. That guide is the living Word of God.

So, is the Word cutting deeply? I hope so! This sword that is given to us, is a scalpel given for our purification. But it has another function too. More about that next time!