“No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel because the Philistines had said, ‘Otherwise, the Hebrews will make swords or spears.’ So all the Israelites went to the Philistines to sharpen their plows, mattocks, axes, and sickles.” (vv. 19-20)

It’s no use denying that believers, in this world, are caught in conflict. We who stand on and hold forth the truth find ourselves at odds with the culture.

And here’s the thing: They’re stockpiling all the usual weapons for argument. Whether it’s the news media or the creative arts—whether it’s the social platforms or the marketing machine—they’ve got it, and they haven’t left much for you to work with. Intentionally.

So…what do we do?

Sharpen whatever weapon you’ve got. Hone your home toward truth and generosity and hospitality. Wield your words for encouragement and hope and help. Point every relationship and every interaction and every engagement to the light and hope of the Gospel.

Your enemy can’t take the stuff of life out of your hands. Israel literally went to war with farm tools. If we have to fight, steward whatever weapon you’ve got, and watch what God does with it.

— Tyler