6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual `hosts' of wickedness in the heavenly `places'. 6:13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 6:16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil `one'. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 6:18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
Ok, how dense can I be??? I've heard this verse since I was a child. I've always thought it was a magical incantation of sorts, to keep me safe. I thought it was silly to chant it and think that God was going to protect me because of it. Isn't that silly??? Please tell me I'm not the only one who's felt this way...
Anyway, this morning as I was reading in Psalms, it mentioned armor and it got me to thinking that this passage in Ephesians is a "Word Picture" of what we should do/know.
In other words, I'm not to put an imaginary belt on and say it's God's truth, I'm supposed to tell and know the truth as if it were a part of my outfit. I can't leave it behind and expect my pants to stay up to keep me from being embarrassed!
Righteousness like armor on your chest... I should be righteous, just as Jesus is righteous. It will protect me from attacks on my character/reputation. Have you ever heard that we should live "above reproach?" That's what I think of when I read that line.
Feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace... Wherever I go, I should be "Standing on the Promises of God." Ready to share His story of His sacrifice and His forgiveness so others may rest on His peace.
In every situation take the shield of faith... My faith is what I use to bounce the attacks off. I don't have to know more than the other person attacking my religon/relationship with God. I have to have faith in God to be able to resist them.
Take the helmet of salvation... It's on your head because you should know you're saved with your brain, not just your heart. Your heart tells you, "I'm not worthy today. I've done some bad things." Your head tells you, "I was adopted into God's family at a particular point in life. I'm rebelious sometimes, but I'm still a child of God! I have salvation!"
And the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word... The word of God can slice the enemy's lies. The word of God is what we use to attack the enemy. Everything else is used to protect us.
Now, I know most of you have realized all this years ago, but I came to the Lord as a child and I've heard so much from the time I was a child, it takes a while for me to adjust it to adult knowledge and application. Wow!! I love this verse now! |
