Armor
We are at war. We, in the US, have troops fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. All day long our soldiers wear armor. Bulletproof vests and helmets. They carry weapons to mount offensives. They are tough.
I wonder what would happen if everyday we followers of Christ would remember we are at war. What if we would don our armor and remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood?
What would happen if we actually put on the belt of truth? Keeping in mind that as Jesus prayed He said, “…Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) So our foundation, our belt must be the truth of God’s word. Not a logic of our own or human philosophy. No, our foundation of truth is God’s word.
What if we put on the breastplate of righteousness – knowing that our righteousness is from Christ alone – and actually lived out a life of humble obedience? Would churches start to look more like Christ and less like the world?
If we put on the gospel of peace like shoes, would we finally reach all tribes, tongues, and nations with the Good News of Christ? Carrying the good news of Jesus in our actions, attitudes, and words. What if we would stay amazed at His AMAZING GRACE and overwhelmed by His mercy? Would others beg to hear? Would they want to know?
Once we are grounded in the truth, wearing Christ’s righteousness and living it out, as we are constantly amazed by God’s grace, would we then be able to lift high our shield of faith? In the midst of our dark and difficult situations could we profess our hope, joy, and gratitude in Christ alone? Proclaiming that He is our all in all and that the circumstances in our life are just fleeting blips on the radar of eternity. Would such a faith transform our cities, states, countries, our world?
If our minds were always protected by the helmet of salvation, would our thinking match our faith? Would we line our belief, faith, heart, and actions all under Christ’s authority? Is it possible that protected by the helmet of salvation we could defend our minds against the enemy’s lies? Oh that we would keep our minds tuned to God and His ways.
Now our offense. The only thing we need to protect ourselves. God’s word. It is our sword. If we actually read it, meditate on it, and allow it to transform our lives, what would change? Oh to not only be hearers of the word but to be doers of it. That our offense would not come from human ideas, human justice, but that our offense would be seated in God. Knowing that He will take up our cause if we allow Him to and resting in His guidance for mounting an attack.
What do you think? Would your life be different if you treated each day as if you were going to battle? How? Join in!
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Having helped Brother Travis with some of the spiritual boot camp material, I am reminded of Sun Tzu’s famous quote, “All warfare is based on deception.” Satan is always trying to fool us, so that’s why it’s important for us to remain grounded in His Word each and every day. Having a daily quiet time is more than just continuing our fellowship with God; having a daily quiet time serves the dual purpose of strengthening our heavenly relationships while crystallizing our earthly relationships.
In other words, it puts things in perspectives. And, especially in warfare, perspective keeps egos in check. It keeps us from making too much of trifles and too little of the things of great consequence.
Another famous quote from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War says, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
Great thoughts and quotes Daniel.
Thanks for today’s post on Armor. I loved it.
Using the armor of God everyday would truly be world changing!!!! Like the post.
Thanks Mom! Wouldn’t it be great if we really put it on every day? Praying that for us all!