Shaping a culture takes someone who is ready, willing and able to shape a new cloth.

“There were no blacksmiths in the land.” 1 Samuel 13:19 NLT

There is needed today some bold spiritual blacksmiths!

A blacksmith is a person who creates objects from iron or steel by forging the metal; i.e., by using tools to hammer, bend, cut, and otherwise shape it in its non-liquid form. Usually the metal is heated until it glows red or orange as part of the forging process. Blacksmiths produce things like wrought iron gates, grills, railings, light fixtures, furniture, sculpture, tools, agricultural implements, decorative and religious items, cooking utensils, and weapons.

The Bible says, “There were no blacksmiths in the land of Israel in those days. The Philistines wouldn’t allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews…none of the people of Israel had a sword or spear, except for Saul and Jonathan” (1Sa 13:19-22 NLT).

To keep the Israelites in slavery, the Philistines removed all the blacksmiths. It was a devastating blow. Blacksmiths made swords to be used in battle and sickles to be used in the harvest field. Can you imagine the effect that would have on a nation? Satan’s tactics haven’t changed.

His goal is still to silence the molders and shapers of a new culture – a kingdom culture.

Why do we need spiritual blacksmiths? Because they understand how to shape raw material into something God can use. They not only shape it, they sharpen it. All great leaders have emerged from raw material. And tomorrow’s leaders are walking around today in raw form just waiting for a spiritual blacksmith to come along. Unfortunately many ministry leaders are so busy “running the show,” they don’t take the time to work with raw material. Spiritual blacksmiths aren’t only needed in the local church, they’re also needed in the nation to reshape our culture.

We need “influencers” who can reform the ranks of business, education, government and media. Any volunteers?
It’s time for the spiritual blacksmiths in the land to break free from the constraints of the Philistines and return to the ancient craft of shaping men and women for God’s service. The battle is too big for Saul and Jonathan to handle alone!

If you want to see your world change be willing to create it.

If you want a new kind of church, craft one

If you want a new family, nurture one.

If you want a new organization, build one.

Use the raw material around you and shape what you see in the future.

Even though what you see right now seems insignificant go for it anyway ….  “It’s often the small things that no one sees NOW that result in the big things that everyone wants LATER.”

Shape the future.

Steve