Training for Wielding the Sword
If any of my children are going to follow in the footsteps of their father to serve in the military, it will be my 4-year-old son. He is fascinated by the military, weapons, and fighting. Despite his fascination with being a warrior, it is apparent as he runs around our house with paper towel tubes, he has no idea how to wield a sword. I have to admit that I have figuratively done the same in life. Running around with the Sword of the Spirit, bumping into, throwing, and flailing it around carelessly and unhinged, being annoying and a danger of painful cardboard paper cuts to any who cross my path.
As we continue to learn about putting on the Armor of God, we come to the last piece of the uniform: The Sword of the Spirit. There are some aspects we can learn to be better trained in wielding the sword. Paul lays it out for us that the sword of the spirit is the Word of God. We know that “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). Paul used the metaphor of the Roman Soldier’s armor to describe the different aspects of our walk with God.
In the Roman Army, a soldier carried his sword on the right side of his body, regardless of whether he was left or right-handed. He wore the sword high up, above his waist, so he could grab the sword quickly with his right hand. As soldiers fought battles, they did not fight individually, but together as a unit. We cannot fight the battles of this world against the enemy of our souls by ourselves. Remember, we have an enemy and he desires to steal, kill, and destroy us (John 10:10). When we are together with other believers, they can remind us the truth of God’s Word and help us wield our weapon toward the enemy. This unity also prevents us from getting confused and twisting God’s Word. There are many people, who may have the title of pastor, that take God’s Word out of context and veer us off path from the truth. Unity with other believers is a safe guard that can prevent this from happening.
God’s Word should never be used to condemn; but to correct. God can use His words to correct us directly during our quiet time with Him, during sermons that we hear at church, worship songs, and genuine conversations with other believers. It’s amazing how His word can prick the heart so profoundly yet be gentle and loving at the same time. His correction is done in love and because He cares for us.
The Roman sword was small and light. When I imagine a sword, it is massive. One that is heavy, ornate, and difficult to maneuver; if one has not trained for years. Maybe that is how you feel about the Bible. I have heard many people say, including myself, “I don’t have a theology degree,” or “I don’t know how to study the Bible,” or “Every time I try, I just don’t understand it.” The Word of God is meant to be light, not a burden to carry. The way we become familiar with it, is by engaging it every day; much like a soldier is required to train on a regular basis. Whether you read your bible with highlighters and journal, listen to it followed by a podcast, or read a devotional with your family, get into the Word in a format that works best for you.
Finally, because the Roman soldiers moved together as a unit, they were able to defend, and advance on their enemy. They would push their shields forward in one, unified movement, and then stab with their swords in a swift and solitary motion. They would be able to protect themselves and each other with their massive shields, and then attack against the enemy together, taking out entire front lines of men as they advanced with little to no injuries. The same is true for us. The enemy will run full force at us with thoughts, feelings, ideas, and twisting situations. He can swing his big clubs, heavy swords, and shoot his fiery darts. But behind our shield of faith, we are safe, and we can stab quickly with the truth that defeats him. The sword is double-edged, meaning it will cut on both sides, doing the most damage to his lies.
The club of: “Your parents never loved you, and no one will,” is met with the truth stab of “I am accepted and adopted as a co-heir in Christ.” The swinging sword of, “You are so hideous and unattractive,” is slashed with, “I am created in the image of God.” The fiery darts of “You’ll never be good at writing or speaking or helping anyone,” are met with the fatal laceration of “I have called you by name and have a plan and purpose for your life.” I am able to stand behind my shield of faith, trusting that what God says is true and applicable to my life, while remembering His Word to quiet and cease the enemy’s blows.
The interesting aspect of the sword is that it is one of the pieces of armor that has to be put on intentionally; along with the helmet and the shield. Picking up and putting these pieces of armor on is an indication that a soldier is going into battle. The question isn’t will my armor protect me, but do I know how to use them? Do you, or is it time to return to basic training? I want to be a seasoned soldier who can utilize her armor to defeat the enemy; not the one running around carelessly like a child. May you and I be the ones invested in the training of wielding our swords.
Megan Sinisi absolutely adores a good cup of coffee, chocolate, and sitting with people to share life stories. She is a native to Las Vegas, born and raised, and has four beautiful children with her handsome husband, Vincenzo. She is a counselor, specializing in the field of addictions, with multiple certifications, both in Nevada and nationally. She directed Nevada’s largest treatment court and has been building her private practice since 2014, acquiring contracts with the City of Las Vegas, City of Henderson, Clark County Special Defender’s Office, and Zappos.com. It is because of her own journey of healing and through her career that she has learned the wounds we have can begin to be healed as we share our stories. She considers it an honor when someone shares their story with her, and hopes that as she shares her stories of victory and healing that others can be inspired, encouraged, and challenged. Megan has a love and fervor for writing and is walking in faith that God is calling her to use that passion and gift for His glory. She is someone who is known for her honesty and transparency that brings light to difficult situations and feelings, and offers hope and encouragement for the journey of life. It is her hope that by sharing her journey, it encourages, challenges, inspires, comforts, and most importantly, shines the light of Jesus and the reality of His love, grace, and mercy. You can find more from Megan at www.meganjsinisi.com And @meganjsinisi on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.