Wars are often won and lost based on weapons; and weapons are only as good as the skill
used in operating them. Paul said, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but
mighty in God.” (2 Cor 10:4) But unless we know what our weapons are and how to apply
them, they are useless.
We usually think about our spiritual weapons as the ones listed in Ephesians 5 – the belt of
truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith,
the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. We also know the communion table,
the Blood of Jesus, prayer, praise and worship are all weapons we use. We also have
weapons that we often label as “manners” or “character traits” but are actually very
powerful weapons. Let’s look at just a few of these.
“A soft answer turns away wrath.” (Prov 15:1) A good defense is often the best offense. To
dispel anger that is turned in your direction, we learn to listen to Holy Spirit and quietly say
the right things to change the atmosphere.
The book of Proverbs is loaded with wisdom that we can use as weapons in our arsenal.
We need to study it out to show ourselves approved as good workmen and soldiers.
“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the
word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe
your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” (1 Peter 3:1-2) This principle also applies to
other areas such as an employee to an unbelieving boss. Our conduct should be a strong
enough testimony as to make a difference in the unbelievers around us. So even our
conduct and the way we interact with others are weapons.
What about the fruit of the Spirit? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such
there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) We know that the enemy is a legalist and operates
within spiritual laws. However, there are no laws that can stand against any of the fruit of
the Spirit, thus making them undefeatable weapons.
It is true that by renewing our mind and perfecting our character we are maturing in Christ.
But we also need to understand that we are soldiers in an epic battle of good and evil. We
need to be able to use every tool given to us as weapons in this battle. Let’s look at things
with new eyes and recognize the unlimited gifts God has given us.