14 Stand, therefore,
with truth like a belt around your waist,
righteousness like armor on your chest,
15 and your feet sandaled with readiness
for the gospel of peace.
16 In every situation take the shield of faith,
and with it you will be able to extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is God’s word.
18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Ephesians 6:14-18 (HCSB)
I always read these verses and thought “That’s nice.” Today, I began to wonder “How does this apply to my life?” What does it look like to wear the full armor of God? Let’s take it apart.
Belt of Truth: Wear this, always being truthful, standing firm for what is right so you don’t get caught with your bottoms falling off, exposed for something that you did that was wrong. In our world there is a prominent thought that it’s OK to do something wrong as long as you have a good reason. That is not what God says.
Righteousness like Armor: Knowing that you are covered by Jesus righteousness, wear it like an armor over your heart. Cover yourself when the attacks come and you feel unworthy. You are worthy because of Jesus. Use his gift of grace to stand strong and face your day.
Sandals of Peace: Your feet should be ready to go on God’s call. When someone is in need, don’t hesitate thinking you are not ready. You are ready! Your response should be immediate.
Shield of Faith: Faith - the barrier to attack like a shield all around you. As the attacks come, we lift our faith in Jesus and fend off the arrows that so easily pierce our hearts and mind with lies that cripple us. With our faith we fight and remember we are loved. We counter lies with the truth about who God is.
Helmet of Salvation: What’s your covering? When you wake up every day, what do you cover yourself with so you know you are saved? Is it your good deeds? Is it because you are nice to people or because you didn’t throw someone under the bus? If it is, then with the next strong wind your floppy hat will fly away and you will not be covered appropriately. But, if instead you are covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, your helmet is secure. You are ready for the daily battle we call life.
Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God: I imagine I am facing the day and the battle has started. Stress here, failed plans there, hurtful words of a colleague, negative thoughts that invade my mind. I stand up with my Bible (which is on my phone) and I start thrusting it here and there to conquer the enemy. Funny thing is I can’t thrust it if I don’t read it. If I don’t know what God is telling me, I can’t wield the weapon.
How did you get dressed this morning? Get dressed with God and then….pray. Prayer is the secret weapon.