Faith leader, you have a tremendous responsibility. When God called you to leadership, He gave you wisdom, favor, and the weapon with which you can build things for God and destroy the works of the enemy. How you wield that weapon will determine your effectiveness as a leader in God’s kingdom.
Don’t Bring a Knife to a Gunfight
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.” It became famous from a line in an old movie and is generally a good rule. You never want to find yourself in a battle without the right defensive and offensive tools. However, as a Faith Leader, you possess something far better than a knife. You have the Word of God, which Hebrews 4:12 tells us is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The Most Dangerous Weapon Against the Devil
Most swords have a smooth side and a sharp side. Only professionals deal with two-edged or double-edged swords because they’re very hazardous and easy to injure oneself with. The double-edged sword of God’s Word is the most dangerous thing there is to the devil. The devil thinks he knows how to get people to sin, but he forgets about the double-edged sword of God’s Word. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness after the Lord had gone without food for 40 days and was hungry. Remember, Jesus walked this earth as a man anointed by God, and although He is 100% man and 100% God, He suffered everything we suffer. Hebrews 4:15, speaking of Jesus, tells us we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
So, when the Bible says Jesus was hungry, He felt the same hunger pains you and I do. The devil thought he could convince Jesus to do his bidding because of the Lord’s physical needs. But Jesus knew how to wield the Word of God. After every temptation from the devil, Jesus replied, It is written and then quoted God’s Word about the subject. (Luke 4:4; Luke 4:8; Luke 4:10)
Teach those New in the Faith How to Wield that Weapon
God’s Word defeats the devil and distinguishes between a person’s soulish and fleshly thoughts (like physical hunger) and the truth that the Holy Spirit imparts to the born-again spirit. New believers, or those who haven’t been adequately taught yet, often struggle to discern, “Is this from God, myself, or the devil?” It’s our responsibility as Faith Leaders to equip them to wield the weapon of God’s Word, as it will prevent their minds from being misled. It will heal their bodies, address their circumstances, and drive the devil away. For those not well-versed in Scripture, start by reinforcing John 17:17, which states that God’s word is truth, and John 8:44, which informs us that the devil is a liar who never speaks the truth! It says, "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks from his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
With those two verses as a foundation, every believer can discern when Satan is speaking to them: if what they hear or think contradicts God’s Word, it is from the devil, not from God.
Encourage new believers to boldly speak God’s Word, especially when thoughts of despair and failure fill their minds. When they hear, “You’ll never make it,” teach them to say to themselves and any angel or demon who might be listening: “No! I am more than conqueror through Jesus who loves me!” (Romans 8:37)
Watch Your Words
Finally, as Faith Leaders, we must guard our mouths. Gossip about other ministers or ministries is unacceptable, even when shared under the guise of a prayer request. If you know something negative about another minister, it’s your job to pray, give if God directs you, and speak words of life.
We must also protect our ears from those who want us to be their “garbage cans.” I don’t know about you, but my heart wasn’t made to collect other people’s trash! Words are carriers. They convey faith or fear. They spread love or hate. They provide encouragement and discouragement. They open doors to light or darkness. Faith leaders who keep God’s Word on their lips are out front, lighting the way for others to follow.
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