Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of

righteousness,   and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In

all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the

evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

(Ephesians 6:14-17 ESV)

The Armor of God enables us to stand against the schemes of the devil. There is one piece of the armor,

however, that is the armor bearer’s only offensive weapon: the “sword of the Spirit.”

The “sword of the Spirit” is unique in the armor of God because the other pieces of armor are protective

while this is the only piece that can be considered “offensive.” It can be used to injure the adversary.

It should be obvious to the most casual observer that the sword is the “sword of the Spirit, the Word of

God.”

It is not the sword of the person holding it. It is not the word of the person wearing the armor.

Too often, we try to outsmart the enemy, go on the attack, and mix our thoughts and words with God’s

words. Simply put, we need to STOP doing this.

God’s Word does not need our help. It is powerful.

”For 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.”

(Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

God’s Word is not dead. It is living. God’s word is not passive. It is active. It is so sharp that it can divide

the soul and spirit. It can divide the joints and the marrow. It can discern both the thoughts and the

intentions of our heart.

It is no wonder that God’s Word is the only offensive piece of God’s armor. Through God’s words, the

world was made. Through God’s words, humanity was formed. Through God’s words, He condemned sin

and promised a way of redemption.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

STOP relying on your words. STOP relying on your ways.

Rely on God’s Word and on His way. Open it today and allow it to work in your life.

By LaRaine Rice