In a recently viewed episode of "Mythbusters" they did a second special on Duct Tape. One of the segments involved the destruction of a car which was then put back together with only duct tape and then driven through a series of obstacle courses to see how well it would stay together. Amazingly the engine of the car actually gave out before the duct tape because of the abuse of the obstacle course. The value and purpose of Duct tape is in its ability to hold things together or in place. In a recent sermon by Pasotr Jon Cobler about staying seated next to Jesus in the Heavenlies he said "If you have to have a Duct Tape party. Bring your friends over and say listen I am struggling but you tape my arms and legs because I know deep down inside my flesh wants to wander but my spirit wants to stay put." Later in the sermon Pastor Jon talks about using the sword of the Spirit to sever the lures of the devil. It was here in this sermon my thoughts where spurred and my thinking started towards this post about duct tape and blades in regards to us and the community of followers around us.
On with my thoughts regarding Duct Tape and blades. I would like to move our thoughts from the duct tape to blades. Throughout history we have had a variety of blades for different uses. The commonality of all blades other than maybe wiper blades is that they are designed to cut. Some cutting can be useful and important and others can be used for damaged or destruction. It is the handler of the blade who truly determines if the blade will be useful or destructive. The saw blade that the woodworker cut himself on was designed and when used correctly is very useful in building things like cabinets. But when he stopped following safety protocols or using the proper safety procedures the saw blade becomes quiet destructive and could possibly become deadly. If you stop and think you can come up with many different blades and both their good and bad uses.
A sword was a very common blade in the times of the bible. It was used for battle, it became the symbol of strength for many empires and rulers both good and bad. We even see the sword becoming the illustration or symbol that represents God's Spirit and His Word.
Hebrews 4:12New International Version
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.
This description of the Holy Spirit sounds very similar to how a surgeon uses a scalpel (another blade) during a surgery such as removing a damaged and so to be deadly appendix or a tumor which could be cancerous from the body. When was the last time you saw a surgeon doing this sort of operation on him self? Would you allow someone who did not have the training to use a scalpel on you for such a purpose or any purpose? Good thing there is no one better trained at the use of the Word than God. But God is not the only one carrying a sword (word).
Proverbs 12:18Young's Literal Translation
A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, And the tongue of the wise is healing.
Our own tongue can be like a sword in the lives of others. In the book of James words are compared to a fire which like a sword, can be very beneficial or destructive depending on the use. We can either do damage or good with our words. We can either pierce and wound some one or be like a surgeon and use or words to bring healing. This is the context for which I wish to direct our thoughts in regards to blades, us and our community. I have seen many a person get hurt by the words of others. I have also seen many be healed by the words of others.The specific area I felt my thoughts going was in the area of needing others to speak into our lives for the purpose of what is often called edification (beneficial moral or spiritual instruction). There is a line that can be easily crossed when humans try to edify one another. When we cross this line we go from edifying to judging or condemning. Our word are no longer beneficial or uplifting they become destructive. Does this mean we stop trying to speak into each others lives. A verse I commonly see in regards to 'judging' is sometimes know as the 'plank eye' verse or at least I like to call it that, which is found in chapter 7 of the Book of Mathew.
Matthew 7:5-6 NIV 1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
This is the part of the passage you will most often see quoted or referred to. I have seen this used many time personally by people arguing that we are not to judge each people. We should not tell people when they are doing something wrong or that they are living in sin. How does that work with our call to be a body of believers who are building each other up. Why don't we look at the last two verses and see if they help us to see something more.
5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. 6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
To me that sounds a little more like edification. When a brother or sister is doing something wrong and they need words spoken into their lives we need to make sure we are in the right place with the right tools. For a little more insight into our role regarding the church I would challenge you to read 1 Corinthians 5. Basically there is an individual who is sinning and the believers in the church are doing nothing about it for whatever reasons they have. But they are told by Paul to judge him and cast him out. This was an extreme judgment and correction which I see as result of it not being dealt correctly. If it would have been dealt with in the beginning it would have likely been resolved with some edification by those around the brother who was beginning down a path to a server fall. A few friends with Duct Tape or a scalpel might have been all he needed.
James 5:19-20 NIV
19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Going back to the example of a surgery to remove a failing appendix we can see and know that the appendix needs to come out or the person could die. But to use a table saw in attempt to remove it would be just as deadly. We don't want to go through and try to remove a bad appendix using the wrong blade. So the key is not in ignoring the problem but in learning to remove our plank so to speak and in learning the purpose and proper use of our blades. Which require speaking the truth in love to our brothers and sisters in the faith and having open hearts to receive their words as well.
I have tried to give all who read my blogs questions to ponder and challenges to accept. So in ending here is my challenge. Are you willing as a brother or sister in Christ to take up your roll of Duct Tap and your Blade and when the time arises to use them to the best of your ability? On the other side for your benefit and growth are you ready and willing for your family in Christ to use their Duct Tape and Blades in your life?
Yes to both of your questions. I am even ready for someone to use their blade to pierce my heart, painful though it may be, if they see sin that I don't. I have to be open-minded enough, if I trust my mentor that is "edifying me", to acept his or her words as a truthful observation, even though they may be hurtful to me...even given in love. My mentor is likely to respond, as all humans do, with comments that should come with a qualification...that is from someone still living in their sinful flesh; the santification process not yet completed.
ReplyDeleteI know you don't have a lot of time, or maybe do not see the time, like me. But I miss hearing your thoughts and seeing the ways that God is working in your heart despite life, circumstances and me. :)
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