The trowel and the sword

Neh 4:17They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

 

In one hand they held a trowel, working on the building. In the other hand they held a sword, defending themselves and the work from any enemies. 

Just like the workers on the wall of Jerusalem, we are also building. Paul tells the Corinthian church in 1 Cor 3:10 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” 

So we are building. But we also have enemies in this process, like they had back then. So in addition to build we also have to fight. We have to fight the good fight of faith. We should build with one hand, and defend and protect what we build with the other hand. God has given us a trowel to build, and a sword to fight. Some Christians, and some leaders don’t know how to build, only to fight and to tare down. If all you do is to defend yourself, then nothing is being built. If on the other hand, all you do is to build up, and you never defend yourself, then the enemy will destroy all you build up. We must learn to do both. We must build up one another, encourage one another, lift up one another, and teach good, sound doctrine. We also have to defend the church from false doctrines, and worldly influence. We cannot be afraid to offend someone when we are defending the truth. Let us learn from Jesus. He used the trowel when he bend down with the woman taken in adultery, and said neither do I condemn you. Later he used the sword, when he cleansed the temple, and rebuked the Pharisees. With Gods help it is possible to be gentle and loving on one side, and full of power and authority on the other side. The church needs both. The trowel and the sword!