Handling the Truth responsibly?

Frank came by my office to drop off a pistol he was letting me use for target practice. After he left, I took the firearm in my hand to see how it balanced, raised it to eye level and pointed upwards towards the corner of my office. On impulse, I pulled the trigger. Bang! It actually fired! The concussion shook me, not just physically, but emotionally. I broke the first law of gun safety! I never checked the chamber. I assumed (stupid mistake) that Frank, an experienced gun owner, wouldn't transport the gun without making sure it was unloaded. I've never again picked up another gun without being certain about whether it is loaded and ready to fire. Thankfully, the result of my stupidity was nothing more serious than a small hole in the sheetrock near the ceiling and a very damaged pride.

Do you realize the power of the Bible’s truth? 
In the time of the Scripture, the sword was the equivalent of our modern handgun, a powerful weapon, very dangerous if used improperly. Do you understand the power that the Scripture's Truth can wield?
Do you handle that Word with care and skill?

Some Christians use the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, wildly, indiscriminately, and dangerously! “God Says,” they proclaim, having no idea how the ‘truth’ they are speaking is cutting away at another person. Some seem to think that it is their responsibility to make sure that everybody knows what is ‘right and what is wrong’ in the most blunt way. If someone gets hurt in the process, oh well... that’s just collateral damage.

The Scripture is like a police officer’s weapon. It is powerful, defensive, and offensive when necessary. But, a wise Christian will not handle it as I did Frank’s .45 calibre pistol. They will "Do (their) best to present (themselves) to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV)

The Psalmist lauds the power of the Word to heal: "You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction." (Psalm 107:19-20, CEV) God's Word sets us right, points us to life, and restores wholeness. Sometimes it is like surgeon’s scalpel, cutting away, not to harm but to heal.  The Word of God does cut deeply! "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

The Word is described as a Sword, an offensive weapon given to us for our protection! "Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17, NIV) The modern equivalent - the sidearm. Hence, my opening illustration.  Jesus, when tempted severely, used the Word to defeat Satan’s lies.  “It is written…” He said, and Satan left Him. The Truth of God’s Word will expose the deceptions of evil for us. We should learn and use that Truth to cut down the Devil, giving him no power over us.

Here’s the word from the Word - "Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:13-17, NLT)

Amen.