Protective Gear
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
The armor of God is an amazing gift that I believe is too often overlooked. A few weeks ago I was reading in 1 Samuel 18 about Jonathan and David. Jonathan is so committed to David that he removes his own clothing and gives it to David. Jonathan also gives David his sword, bow and belt. The words and the articles aren’t exactly the same but it reminded me of the armor of God.
Jonathan did not go and buy new pieces for David. He didn’t say, “Oh gee, you need a sword too buddy.” He gave David his own things. That came from Jonathan’s heart. He wanted to protect David and to demonstrate his level of feeling for David. In providing us with an armor made of his best gifts God does the same for us.
We are provided with a breastplate of righteousness. Many places in Scripture we read about righteous men. David is referred to as righteous. David, of the many, many big, ugly, sinful choices is referred to as righteous. Why? Even when David was falling into sin he still had his heart set on God. David was human like the rest of us and he did make some awful mistakes but through it all he loved God. That breastplate protects our hearts and keeps them tuned to God.
We are also given the belt of Truth. That is the truth that Jesus suffered and died for us because our Father love us that much. That belt holds us together when it feels as if we are falling apart.
We walk by faith, in feet shod in the Gospel. If we are truly standing on God’s word what can cause us to doubt? With those shoes we are able to run the race God has planned for us all the way to the finish line.
We put on a helmet of salvation. If God is for us who dares to be against? That helmet says we belong to a mighty God and no one can take that away. It protects our minds from attacks of doubt and despair.
We carry the sword of the spirit. That sword is made of the strongest material ever, the Word of God. If we truly carry that word with us we can use it to protect ourselves as well as encourage ourselves and others.
The shield of faith is just what it says it is. We hold our faith in front of us. We carry it and wear it proudly, not cowering from or bowing to, anyone or anything. That shield bears our family crest. It proudly declares that we are members of the family of God.
Each piece of the armor was given to us for a specific purpose. Together, worn all at once, the whole armor identifies us, protects us and makes us bold to conquer any enemy.
Put on that armor and walk humbly with your God.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
The armor of God is an amazing gift that I believe is too often overlooked. A few weeks ago I was reading in 1 Samuel 18 about Jonathan and David. Jonathan is so committed to David that he removes his own clothing and gives it to David. Jonathan also gives David his sword, bow and belt. The words and the articles aren’t exactly the same but it reminded me of the armor of God.
Jonathan did not go and buy new pieces for David. He didn’t say, “Oh gee, you need a sword too buddy.” He gave David his own things. That came from Jonathan’s heart. He wanted to protect David and to demonstrate his level of feeling for David. In providing us with an armor made of his best gifts God does the same for us.
We are provided with a breastplate of righteousness. Many places in Scripture we read about righteous men. David is referred to as righteous. David, of the many, many big, ugly, sinful choices is referred to as righteous. Why? Even when David was falling into sin he still had his heart set on God. David was human like the rest of us and he did make some awful mistakes but through it all he loved God. That breastplate protects our hearts and keeps them tuned to God.
We are also given the belt of Truth. That is the truth that Jesus suffered and died for us because our Father love us that much. That belt holds us together when it feels as if we are falling apart.
We walk by faith, in feet shod in the Gospel. If we are truly standing on God’s word what can cause us to doubt? With those shoes we are able to run the race God has planned for us all the way to the finish line.
We put on a helmet of salvation. If God is for us who dares to be against? That helmet says we belong to a mighty God and no one can take that away. It protects our minds from attacks of doubt and despair.
We carry the sword of the spirit. That sword is made of the strongest material ever, the Word of God. If we truly carry that word with us we can use it to protect ourselves as well as encourage ourselves and others.
The shield of faith is just what it says it is. We hold our faith in front of us. We carry it and wear it proudly, not cowering from or bowing to, anyone or anything. That shield bears our family crest. It proudly declares that we are members of the family of God.
Each piece of the armor was given to us for a specific purpose. Together, worn all at once, the whole armor identifies us, protects us and makes us bold to conquer any enemy.
Put on that armor and walk humbly with your God.
I always liked the armour of God idea. We all fight so many battles in our lives--whether it be with ourselves or our situation or our environment. Just a nice, comforting image!
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