Harness the Power

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

I helped my Dad do a few repairs on their deck while I was visiting on Father’s Day. Actually, my Mom and I devised a plan, but we didn’t make very much progress. We quickly realized we didn’t have the proper tools to make the repairs. Thankfully, my Dad stepped in to help.

Dad sent me to the truck to retrieve a few tools: a long hammer, a flat pry bar, and a cordless drill with a bit set. I’m familiar with all these tools, but I haven’t used them much. We were able to work as a team–his knowledge, and my physical capabilities–to accomplish the task.

Dad walked me through when, and how, to use each of the tools for that specific task. This was imperative so that I could harness the power of the tool for good. Without that knowledge and understanding, there was a much higher likelihood that I would hurt myself, or someone else.

Have you ever tried to put in a screw with a hammer, cut a 2×4 with a pair of hedge trimmers, or use a pair of scissors to measure the length of a deck board? Of course not. Those tools weren’t designed to accomplish those tasks.

The power of a tool lies in the knowledge of how to use them. This is true for hammers, pry bars, drills, skill saws, and every other tool imaginable.

It’s incredibly important that we apply this same principle to our spiritual lives. There is power in the name of Jesus, and The Word of God is the most powerful tool we have available. However, we must learn how to properly wield its power for good.

Hebrews 4:12 says: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

If we think about the Word of God in this way–as a true double-edged sword–shouldn’t that cause us to be more mindful about how we use it? One thing I struggle with a lot these days is how manipulative, and unsafe, people can be with God’s Word.

Clearly there is an interpretive component to the Bible, but when we don’t equip ourselves with proper knowledge and understanding, we can hurt so many people.

Scriptures taken out of context. Using one line in the Bible to justify treatment of others, even when that treatment doesn’t align with the actions or love of Jesus. Using Scripture to attack, rather than to encourage someone toward truth with love.

I am not discouraging folks from leaning into Biblical truth–it’s imperative that we apply Biblical principles to our lives. I am, however, encouraging us all to spend more time learning how to harness the power of the tool.

May we continually allow God’s truth to judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts, and in turn, lead us to be more powerful disciples, helping to repair hearts for Jesus.

#christ #hebrews #thenarrowpath #faith #discipline #jesus