In the past several years, virtually everyone has become acquainted with the phrase, weapons of mass destruction. Whenever this expression is used, we usually think of an arsenal of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons. However, this terminology should also include those airplanes that were hijacked for use as missiles which killed thousands of our citizens on 9/11/01. In the hands of the terrorists, those airplanes also became weapons of mass destruction.

By taking this negative expression and changing one word in it, a popular talk show host refers to his program as a weapon of mass instruction. The purpose of many programs in the media is to instruct masses of people in a philosophical or political viewpoint. The fundamental question is whether such instruction is true or false. When some television producers are asked if they want their programs to reflect the culture or to change the culture, some producers frankly admit that their purpose is to change the culture. Much of the time the changes they advocate are antagonistic to Christianity.

In a spiritual sense, let's consider this expression: weapon of mass instruction. As we consider the Bible, I believe that God intends for His inspired word to be the weapon of mass instruction.

WEAPON
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12, NKJV). The word of God is even called "the sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17). How skilled are you in wielding this weapon that God has provided? "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4-5). Every good soldier learns how to handle his weapon properly and to increase in using it skillfully.

MASS
The Lord intends for the gospel to be preached to the masses of humanity - to "every creature", that is, to "all the nations" (Mk. 16:15; Mt. 28:19). These marching orders from the Lord's Great Commission command us to "make disciples" by baptizing believers and then continuing to teach them the observance of all His commands (Mk. 16:16; Mt. 28:19-20). "For the promise is for you and to your children and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39). Masses of people are lost in sin; humanity is in desperate need of the saving message of the gospel.

INSTRUCTION
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). "Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Prov. 9:8-10). God's instruction is the healthy doctrine which provides for our growth and development in spiritual health.