In my office I have some interesting items which I use to illustrate different things about Christian living. Probably my favorite illustrational items are three swords. One is a ForceFX lightsaber, the next the Sword of Solomon, and the last is a pretty common looking smaller sword. The illustration goes something like this:
The lightsaber is really cool. It lights up just like the movies. I love to swing it around and do some tricks with it, but if someone where to ask me to cut a rope or box with it, I wouldn’t be able to. Why? Because it’s just a toy; it’s not real.
Then there is the Sword of Solomon. This thing is honkin’ huge. It has a gold tang with gold detailing on the blade. It’s 47 inches long and weights about 10 pounds. You could probably do some damage waving this thing around. But, with all its glory, it’s really only a display item. If you hit something hard, the blade would likely break off or chip. It’s just not made to be handled like a sword.
The last is an unassuming smaller sword. There is not much to set is apart as far as looks go, except the fact that this sword is real. The edges are razor sharp. It’s made of high carbon spring steel. If I hit something with it, it will do damage and it will be useful later on. It must be handled carefully and cared for just as carefully. It’s made to battle. It’s made to last. It is real.
There is a forth Sword in my office. It’s the Sword of the Spirit – the Bible. Many people have one of these swords, but there is a problem. Many people treat them like that toy lightsaber. They take it out and play with it, but that’s all they really use it for – fun. Some people treat their Sword like that display sword. It looks really good on their coffee table or desk, but they don’t use it in a useful way. It’s only a display item. Then there are the people who use their Sword as a true sword. They care for it, they know how to use it, and it cuts deep. These people use their Bible as a REAL Sword of the Spirit. And it shows.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) “For the word of God is living 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.”