Sharper than a Two-edged Sword

“For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” Hebrew 5:12).

The above verse gives to the child of God in Christ, the assurance that they never have to be in doubt about guidance, whether it be from God or not.

Each one of us is a three-part being, physical body, rational mind, eternal spirit. The Word of God and the Spirit of God deal primarily with our spirit-man. But this is so closely linked with our rational mind that it is easy to confuse whether the impressions that lay on our hearts and minds are of God or of us. Therefore, we need to be a people of the Word, not just on Sundays but every day of the week.

Throughout my 45 years of pastoral ministry, I often came up with ideas and plans that stirred my heart to the core, plans that I could not wait to share with the members of the churches that I pastored. But, when they were placed under the microscope of God’s Word, that sharp, two-edged sword, revealed to me whether the impression of my heart had its inception in my own mind or was it truly from God, “…piercing as far as the division of the soul and spirit…able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

But, even here, we need to have the humility to hear the voice of God that tells us whether the intention of our heart is of ourselves or of Him. I have had individuals in my office over the years who were convinced that God had spoken to them and called them to do something that was diametrically opposed to His Holy Word. And all too often, they plunged on ahead, only to see their plans come to naught, and many times with incredible negative consequences.

Now, when we commit ourselves to discerning God’s will as opposed to our own will, this will take time and patience. But hang in there because, in the end, the answer will be from God and that will give you confidence either to move ahead or abandon the plan that He reveals is of your own making.

My dear family in Christ, God’s Word can be trusted in these matters.