"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons
of the world. On the contrary, they have divine powers to demolish
strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)
Many people worry about their own protection,
and may buy guns. But does this really save us? What if someone hits you
first? What good will the gun do then?
Of course, this isn't what we see on TV. On TV
the gun will always protect you, but in real life, this isn't always the
case.
A few years ago, I heard of two children.
Their parents were not at home, but they found their dad's gun and they
killed each other.
I ask you, is this protection?
How would you feel if your child took your gun
and killed someone at school? Is this protection?
Fortunately, God's armament cannot be used
against anyone: "...they
have divine power to demolish strongholds. We
demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the
knowledge of God." (2 Cor. 10:4b,5a
NIV) Or, stated a in a bit plainer language, "For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12
NIV) God's armament is not designed to kill human beings, it's designed
to overthrow the world of darkness, the devil's world!
Remember that guns cannot always save you. Our
Heavenly Father is the One who can save. No one else can.
When Jesus was arrested, His disciples had two
swords with them (See Luke 22:38). In trying to defend Jesus, "Simon
Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant,
cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)" (John
18:10 NIV)
What was Jesus' response? "Jesus
commanded Peter, 'Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the
Father has given me?'" (John 18:11 NIV). He then proceeded to heal the
man's ear: "And he touched the man's ear and healed him." (Luke 22:51
NIV).
Jesus never used a sword or a gun or anything
bad. Let's follow Jesus' example. Let's use the weapons He gives us
instead of relying on guns for protection. Remember, love always wins:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5
NIV)
Rob Chaffart