Proverbs 3:11 My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
Historians have written that when the Roman soldiers trained for combat, they performed their exercises with round bucklers woven with willows, and wooden swords called a rudis. These practice weapons weighed twice as much as the shield and gladius used during real service. They exercised twice a day with heavy wooden replicas to strengthen their ability in the art of warfare. When it was time for real combat, the gladius felt much lighter in weight. This allowed the soldier a confident ability to wield his sword with agility and deadly accuracy.
Some Christians do not practice with the weaponry that was given to them by our Lord. While their hearts are participating in this world’s sinful pleasures, they remain immature. Then a crisis hits, and they panic. They run to the word of God, seeking instant deliverance. However, because they did not practice every day with the heavy word of God, they find themselves unskilled in the word of righteousness and become victims of their own folly. Heb. 5:13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians. He instructed them to put on the whole armour of God to be able to fight, defeat, and overcome the attacks of the devil that would come their way. Eph. 6:11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. The Lord also instructed us to walk while it was daylight so that we could see clearly our path in life. John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walks in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
These simple instructions were given to us so that we, the soldiers in Christ, would practice the word of righteousness every day. Because of our faithful dedication in the training of God’s word, when the real battle comes upon us, we can confidently declare the word of God and fight efficiently with the Holy Spirit’s word of precision. Eph. 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God. In effect, we can be ready for the demonic fight that is going to come at us for the rest of our lives. But praise the Lord, we have the illuminated word that defeats the enemy. We have the sword of swords.
The word of God is the sharpest weapon that ever was, is, and will be. Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Lord’s gladium that is faithfully wielded from our hearts can defeat anything the devil throws at us. The thing we will have to get comfortable with is the workout the Holy Spirit will put us through using His directions and disciplines. Prov. 3:11 My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
As soldiers in the Lord’s service, we do not fret or worry about the worldly chaos that continues all year round. We practice the presence of the Lord, and we become skilled and refined in the righteousness that was given to us through Christ. 2Tim. 2:4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. When Jesus called us to become His followers, and we accepted His terms, we enlisted in God’s kingdom. We no longer serve our fleshly hearts, but rather, we serve the Lord in love.
Becoming skilled in the gift of our righteousness and the power of God’s word is a lifetime commitment and dedication. We are not part-time Christians, but we are God’s hand extended in this earth. We use God’s word – His gladium to bless, encourage, and lighten the load of those who are walking the walk and looking for the answers to their purpose. May we be the blessing God called us to be and fight the good fight of faith. In Jesus name.
Blessings, peace, and healing be on your daughter. In Jesus name!
This arrived in due time. My daughter needed to hear this word and I was so grateful to have already read it twice so I could offer her this wisdom and help. Thank you. Very aptly spoken.
Amen! Good word.