1 Samuel 13:20

We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every weapon within our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving—all must be brought into action.

Talents that have been considered too humble for service must now be employed. Coulter, and axe, and mattock, may all be useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and killing need not be done elegantly, as long as it is done effectually.

Each moment of time, in season or out of season; each fragment of ability, educated or untutored; each opportunity, favourable or unfavourable, must be used, for our foes are many and our force is but slender.

Most of our tools need sharpening; we need quickness of perception, tact, energy, promptness—in a word, complete adaptation for the Lord’s work. Practical common sense is a very scarce thing among the conductors of Christian enterprises. We could learn from our enemies, if we were willing, and so make the Philistines sharpen our weapons.

This morning, let us take note of enough to sharpen our zeal throughout this day by the aid of the Holy Spirit. Consider the energy of Roman Catholics—how they compass sea and land to make one proselyte. Are they to monopolize all the earnestness? Mark the pagan devotees—what tortures they endure in the service of their idols! Are they alone to exhibit patience and self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness: how persevering in his endeavours, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his plans, how thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all! The devils are united as one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are divided in our service of God and scarcely ever work with unanimity. Oh, that from Satan’s infernal industry we might learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless!