God's Coaching #180

God's Coaching #180

En garde! For you non–French speakers, that means “On guard!” It’s a phrase that has become closely associated with swordplay over the years. You might have heard someone use those words while you were watching a TV show or movie. Swords were the weapon of choice for thousands of years. But these days, swordplay is mainly an athletic endeavor.

The art of fencing, a combat sport using swords, has been around for hundreds of years. Some historians believe fencing was one of the sports in the original Olympic Games in ancient Greece. It is also one of only four sports that have been included in every modern Olympics, which started in 1896. The sport of fencing has been called “physical chess” for its strategic emphasis and importance of quick moves and counterattacks. Fencers use one of three types of swords—the foil, épée, or saber—to score points by touching an opponent with their weapon. But fear not, future fencers—fencing is not a fight to the death. Competitors wear protective clothing and masks to avoid injury.

What’s the Score?

Did you know that the Bible teaches Christians to be en garde against sin by using a sword? It’s true! In Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul describes the armor of God that all Christians should put on daily to protect themselves against the devil’s attacks. Almost all the armor is defensive in nature (helmet, breastplate, and shield), except for one important offensive weapon—the “sword of the Spirit,” the Bible!

God’s Word is a very powerful weapon we are to use to fight sin. Reading the Bible helps us know right and wrong. Memorizing Scripture verses gives us important reminders when we are tempted to disobey. Hebrews 4:12 goes into even greater detail about the sword of God’s Word, saying it “is alive and powerful” and that “it is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit.” If you want to be victorious in the fight against sin, you must use the sword of the Spirit well!

On the Ball

Ask your parents to help you start a good Bible memory program. This will help sharpen your spiritual swordplay!

Coach’s Comment

The word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12