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"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 many buy guns and other forms of weaponry. But do these really save us? What if someone hits you first? What good will the weapon do then? Of course, this isn't what we see on TV. On TV the weapon 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 weapon and killed someone at school? Is this protection?
This devotional isn't meant to expound on the potential dangers of owning a gun or any other sort of self protection; rather, it is to make a point: 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) 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 be used against human beings, it's designed to overthrow the world of darkness, the devil's world!
Remember that the things we rely on for protection in this world cannot always save us. Only 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 weapon of any kind. Let's follow Jesus' example. Let's use the weapons He gives us. 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
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