Some of you will be very familiar with the expression of ‘the two-edged
sword’. It is used as a metaphor for God’s word. To be precise, the Lord
admonishes His people to give heed to His words, ‘which is quick and powerful,
sharper than a two-edged sword’ as an opening to several chapters of the
Doctrine & Covenants (6:2; 33:1; 14:2; 11:2).
For most of us in this day and age a sword is not within our frame of
reference. Basically, we can only relate to it by way of the movies we have
seen. So, what is a two-edged sword? Anciently, swords that were commonly used
had only one edge. Obviously, someone with an acumen in warfare invented a
two-edge sword which increased the effectiveness of the weapon.
A two-edged sword could cut in any direction, no matter how the blow was
struck. When you imagine the physical destruction such a sword can cause you
can immediately understand what the Lord means when He says His word can
‘divide asunder both joints and marrow’ (D&C 6:2). Bone marrow is crucial
to physical life and I dare say, joints equally so. Thus, we can assume that
God’s word being like a two-edged sword, can bring about destruction of the soul.
Paul told the Hebrews that God’s word is ‘sharper than a two-edged
sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit’ because it is
a ‘discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart’ (Hebrews 4:12). This
means that God’s word has the power to bring about spiritual death. This will
be most evident when He returns as John the Revelator saw that out of His mouth
went a sharp two-edged sword (Revelation 1:16) symbolising the destruction of
the wicked.
Besides being a symbol of death, the scriptures say the Lord’s word is
also quick and powerful. Scripturally, the word ‘quick’ does not mean swift but
rather ‘living’ or ‘alive’, as in ‘quickened by the Spirit’, which means to be
given spiritual life (KJV Bible Dictionary, “Quick”, p 756).
Thus, the word of God is quick and powerful because it is a source of
life, energy, and power. It is also a part of the armour of God which dispels
darkness (Ephesians 6:17; D&C 27:18). Therefore, the word of God not only brings
about spiritual death but also gives spiritual life. It all depends on the heed
we give to it.
Nephi and Alma spoke extensively about the word of God and what it can
do for us (2 Nephi 32; Alma 32:28-43). References to the eternal rewards are
endless but I will tell you what it has done for me personally here and now.
From the time I was a teenager I used to suffer from depression. At age
36 I became a serious student of the scriptures. Even as a single mother who
was working full time, I would spend at least one hour a day studying the word
of God. The time never seemed enough.
Some months after I started, I noticed I was no longer getting
depressed. I was gaining spiritual life. Every time I studied the
scriptures and ‘gave heed to His words’ (D&C 6:2), I gained a portion of
His Spirit, which healed my soul. I have not experienced depression for 32
years now. Low moments here and there, yes, but not ongoing depression.
This is the power of words. Even the ones we speak build or destroy. An
example: I awoke at midnight last night for a bathroom break and made a crucial
mistake of visiting Facebook to find something. I came across a critical comment
about one of my recent posts on Joseph Smith.
This Church member told me I write ‘at nauseam’ about Joseph Smith, that
this is not the Church of Joseph Smith and that I should put the focus on ‘whose
name and personage we follow’ and that because of my writing ‘many members and
non-members alike are concerned’. Those of you who are familiar with my posts
will understand when I tell you that sleep evaded me for the rest of the night……
- CATHRYNE ALLEN
(Art: AI Generated)
P.S. This post does not discredit medical attention deemed necessary by any individual for any physical or mental health issues.
This post does not discredit medical attention deemed necessary by any
individual for any physical or mental health issues)
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