This morning my coworkers sat in a circle and shared a childhood adversity they had to overcome. Some were teased ’cause they were short; some were teased ’cause they were taller than the rest. More than one had to wear special orthopedic shoes that were UG-ly. One was bullied.
What do they all have in common? They were all wounded by fightin’ words.
God’s “Fightin’ Words”
But these kinds of “fightin’ words” pale compared to the power of God’s “fightin’ words”:
The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12).
God’s “Fightin’ Words” for You
Did you know that God’s Word is like a sword? Ephesians 6:17 tells us what the sword is:
Take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17, emphasis added).
This is no plastic kid’s sword! After watching Robin Hood this weekend, I was reminded that swords are meant to kill. Pastor John Piper says we use the sword of God’s Word to kill our fears and cravings.
Have you been treating God’s Word like a kid’s play sword or like the sharp, living sword it really is?
For example, he says when he craves some illicit sexual pleasure, the sword-swing he often uses is Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” He remembers how great it is to see God more clearly and how oppressive the aftertaste of sin is, and with that, “God has killed the conquering power of sin.”
God’s “Fightin’ Words” for Others
You can also go to battle for others with God’s “fightin’ words.” I heard a true story this past Sunday from a missionary who visited my church. She told of a woman who was terrified to return home after a man put a curse on her because she didn’t accept his marriage proposal. Guess what verse the missionary had read in her Bible just that morning?
Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest (Prov. 26:2).
After sharing that verse with the woman, the missionary asked, “Have you done anything wrong to deserve this curse?”
“No,” the lady responded.
“Then God says the curse won’t stick,” the missionary assured.
With that, the woman’s fear lifted, and she returned home.
So how about it? Have you been treating God’s Word like a kid’s play sword or like the sharp, living sword it really is?
I know I’ve not been taking it seriously enough, so I think I’m going to download the “Fighter Verses” app on my phone and begin to sharpen my sword. Join me?
Oh, and if you happen to be a part of the too-short, too-tall, ugly-shoe-wearing bullied crowd, here are some real “fightin’ words” for you to take to heart from Psalm 139:13–14:
You [God] knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
“Them’s Fightin’ Words!” was originally published on LiesYoungWomenBelieve.com.
Paula (Hendricks) Marsteller is a compassionate, bold Christian communicator offering you gospel hope, thought-provoking questions, and practical help along the way.