Many times, in battles, we lose our sharpness or edge. We find ourselves during the next battle with the same dull blade that required sharpening the last time we used it. How can we effectively win the war if we do not have the greatest weapon we possess – our sharpness. A good example of gaining sharpness is fencing. As the blades of the swords meet the other blade, sharpening occurs, which suggests conflict is a part of the sharpening process. We will endure this process if we have given ourselves to be sharpened. It is impossible to be sharpened when your point has been dulled by whatever got you to that point.

 

Sharpening is important to us, not just for our own benefit. Sometimes we are placed into or come into situations where our sharpness is required, where the healing of someone else’s issues requires our sharpening. Just as boot camp prepares one for the war he may or may not have to engage in, so is the sharpening process. One must never wait to see the enemy’s hand to determine if he is ready for battle; he must be sufficiently equipped before the battle. This is where sharpening takes center stage.

 

There are “NO” experts here; we all know that. We are employing men from all different walks of ministry and life. No churches or ministries are taking center stage, and we are all getting dressed for warfare together, bringing our swords to the table to be sharpened through God’s Word and our engagement with each other. Church clothes are discarded, battle clothes are put on; we are engaged in war:

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As we war against all forces that have held us captive or have attempted to hold us, we must aggressively pursue any. All enemies, including those who have come to take our sons and daughters, to manipulate our own thinking, attempting to use pride as strength, keep us silent about our struggles, and not allowing us to see the benefits of brotherhood and camaraderie. We must save our sons and generations to come. Our God-given responsibility is to protect and provide for our families, and we hold this mantel as sacred to fulfill.

 

We reverently employ God to lead us towards the L.I.G.H.T. (Living in God’s Holy Tradition)

 

Our weapons of this warfare are our Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), the Belt of Truth, the Shield of Faith, that our feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, Helmet of Salvation the Breastplate of Righteousness.

 

Pastor Cleveland E. Bates, Jr.

Proverbs 27:17