Words to Grow On

January 14, 2008

THE (S)WORD OF GOD

By

Emily Fritz

              “For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword---” (Hebrews 4:12a).

              My mother taught me to love the Bible while I was a child.  I grew up memorizing portions of Scripture and acting out Bible stories with family and friends.  As an active Salvation Army Officer I tried to use God’s Word as much as possible in every appointment.  In retirement, I wondered how I might continue to share His Word.  I discovered that I was a lot like Eleazar whose story is recorded in II Samuel 23:9-10.  Eleazar “fought until his hand grew tired and froze to the sword.”  Eleazar was fighting and killing the Philistines, enemies of the Israelites, God’s chosen people, when his hand froze to the sword.  I found that I could not let go of my life-time habit of Bible study and sharing with others what I had learned.

              Some people use God’s Word, the Bible, like an actual weapon, to criticize, condemn and crush the spirit of others.  If we are ever tempted to do this, we should first turn those words on our own life.  God’s Word is powerful in resisting temptation and for pointing us in the right direction.  It will help us to fight evil in ourselves.  The Holy Spirit may use God’s Word to convict us of sin, but we must be very careful how we use it. 

II Timothy 2:15 is a popular verse among Bible scholars.  It says: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  Sometime we overlook the context of this verse.  II Timothy 2:14 says: “Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value and only ruins those who listen.”  And 2:16 warns: “Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.”

              God’s (S)Word is an excellent tool for teaching, encouraging and comforting those who wish to listen.  We should learn to use it wisely.