Ephesians 6: 17
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God;”
The following is a story I recently read that I thought I’d
share with you. It perfectly illustrates how… Our attitude toward Scripture
will determine our effectiveness in spiritual battle. [It came from "Grace to
You Ministries."]
The story begins…
I remember enjoying the observations of a perceptive man who
was gazing at a beautiful garden.
First, he saw a butterfly flitting from flower to flower. It
spent a few seconds on the edge of each, but derived no particular benefit from
any of them.
Next, he saw a botanist with large notebook and microscope
in hand.
As the botanist carefully observed each flower and plant, he
made copious entries in his book.
But after hours of meticulous study, most of what he learned
was shut up in his book. Very little remained in his mind.
Then came a little bee. When it entered a flower, it emerged
laden with pollen. It had left the hive that morning empty, but would return
full.
He goes on to say…
When it comes to Bible study, some people are like butterflies,
going from one favorite verse to another, one seminar to another, or one book
to another. They're very busy and expend much energy but have little to show
for their efforts.
They remain unchanged in any significant way because they
never really delve into the Word wholeheartedly.
They're content to simply flutter around the edges.
Others, like the botanist, they may study in great depth but
never apply it to their lives.
I know of entire commentaries written by unbelievers.
In some cases, their grasp of Scripture is exceptional, but
they know nothing of true love for God and obedience to biblical truth. …What a
tragedy!
But you don't have to be a biblical scholar to make that
mistake. You need only to fail to apply what you learn to your life.
Continuing, he says…
Rather, strive to be like the bee, spending time in the
Word—reading, studying, taking notes, then emerging fuller than when you began.
Your mind will be filled with wisdom and biblical insights.
Your life will be sweeter and purer because the Word has
done its work.
Like 1 Corinthians 2:13 tells us: “which things we also
speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit,
combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”
He then asks the question…
Are you a butterfly, a botanist, or a bee?
Our text for today refers to God's Word as "the sword
of the Spirit."
And it is the only piece of offensive weaponry listed with
the armor of God.
All the others are for protection.
What shape is your sword in?
It has been said that a Bible
that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't.
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