Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17

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. 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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

When I read this passage, the first image that comes to mind is not gearing up to go for war but gearing up to go to battle on the football field. I played and coach high school football, and as a lineman, we are considered to be in the trenches of battle on the field.

First, we would put on our under pads to protect our hip, back and ribs. Then we would put on our pants to protect our legs. After that, we will put on our cleats, so that we could get traction when pushing and driving. Then we would put our shoulder pads on to protect our shoulders. Finally, we would put on our helmet to protect our head. Now we were ready to battle in the trenches. Without any of these pads, we were not fit to play.

The same goes for our spiritual life. If we are not covered in the right armor, then we will not be ready to battle in the trenches. So then, why do we do this most days? We do not have to search for the armor, we just have to ask God, and it will be given to us. 

When we ask God for his armor, he gives us everything we need to stand firm. God gives us truth to hold us up, righteousness to cover our heart, the gospel of peace for us to stand on, the faith that we have as God’s people to shield us, salvation that he gives us to cover us, and His living word that is sharper and stronger than any weapon.  

Unlike my football gear, the armor that God gives is not always a physical item, and that’s okay because our fight is not of this world. It’s against the evil powers and spirits of the heavenly realms of the dark world. 

Now putting on God’s armor is easier said than done. Our best is nowhere near God’s best but it takes daily devotion to rely on God over ourselves.  

Reflect

  1. What does it mean stand firm?
  2. To you what does it look like to daily choose God?
 

Pray

Father, as we go into the world serving as your Church, help us to stand firm in your love, grace, and Word. Give us the strength to wake up each day and choose to put on your armor to fight the good fight. God, we cannot do this on our own and we need your help. Come into our homes, work, and lives to guide us. Amen

Clay and Ashton Merriman, April 21, 2020
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