What's Your Armor?

April 29, 2024 5:10 PM

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭18‬ ‭(NIV)‬‬ 10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
 
As believers, we are in a spiritual battle, and our victory depends on being fully equipped with the armor of God. Each piece of this armor is essential for our protection and effectiveness in combatting the enemy's attacks. Check out the significance of each piece and how we can practically apply these elements in our everyday lives.
 
1. Belt of Truth: This represents integrity and honesty. Just as a belt holds together a soldier's garments, truth holds our lives together. It's about living a life of honesty and sincerity in all things.
The belt of truth is our foundation. It holds everything together and keeps us steady in the face of lies and deception. Aim to make it a priority to immerse yourself in God's Word daily.
Start or deepen your daily Bible reading and reflection. Set aside a specific time each day to study Scripture, meditate on its truths, and apply them to your life. Let God's Word be the lens through which you view the world and make decisions.
 
2. Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate protected a soldier's vital organs. Righteousness guards our hearts against the attacks of sin and guilt. It symbolizes a life of moral integrity and obedience to God's commands. Living righteously involves aligning our actions with God's standards and seeking to pursue holiness in all areas of life. Choose to live in obedience to His Word, showing love and kindness to others.
 
3. Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace: This represents being prepared to share the good news of salvation and being grounded in the peace that comes from knowing Christ. It's about being ready to walk wherever God leads and to share His message of peace.
Look for opportunities to share the hope and peace found in Jesus with those around you. Be intentional about being the hands and feet of Jesus, demonstrating Christ's love through your words and actions. Pray for boldness and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading in conversations with others.
 
4. Shield of Faith: A shield was used to deflect attacks. Faith is our shield against doubt, fear, and temptation. It's trusting in God's promises and believing that He is always with us. Trust in God's promises and His character. When faced with doubts, fears, or temptations, rely on your faith in God to shield you from their impact. Keep your focus on Him rather than on your circumstances.
 
5. Helmet of Salvation: A helmet protects the head, the seat of our intellect and thoughts. Salvation protects our minds from doubt, despair, and deception. Secure your mind in the assurance of your salvation through Christ. Remember who you are in Christ and the victory you have in Him. Guard your thoughts against doubt, despair, and lies by staying rooted in the truth of God's Word.
 
6. Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: The sword is the only offensive weapon listed. It represents the power of God's Word, the Bible, which is our weapon against the lies and deception of the enemy. It's through the Word that we gain wisdom, discernment, and the ability to fight spiritual battles. Take a few minutes each day to regularly study the Bible to equip yourself with the truth. Use God's Word to combat negative thoughts, temptations, and spiritual attacks.
 
7. Prayer: While not explicitly mentioned as a piece of armor, prayer is essential. It must be our first response, not our last resort. It's through prayer that we stay connected to God, seek His guidance and strength, and intercede for others. Stay connected to God through prayer, seeking His guidance, strength, and protection in all circumstances.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my loving and faithful provider. I know life can be tough sometimes, but i'm grateful for the armor You've given me to live confidently in Your love and strength. Help me to be real with You and others, to do the right thing even when it's hard, and to share Your peace with those around me. Strengthen my trust in You, remind me of Your love and how You've saved me, and fill me with Your Spirit each day. Teach me to talk with You like I would with a close friend, always seeking Your wisdom and presence. In Jesus' name, amen.