Be Armored Up!
Be Armored Up!
Have you ever experienced an attack because of your faith in Christ? While many of us have not as yet dealt with outright persecution for being Christian, the culture of the West has increasingly become hostile to believers. Current examples include mocking, insulting, and “unfriending” on social media for no other reason than being a follower of Jesus.
But what’s the actual source of all these negative attitudes toward Christians today? Where is this coming from? The Bible makes it very clear in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” God has an enemy who’s been given temporary but tremendous control to wreak havoc on Earth until Jesus returns to make all things right. And we must remember, Jesus did warn us in John 15:18 and 20b, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Tribulation is not unusual in the Christian walk.
Accepting this fact, what should believers do to combat the dark forces that attempt to discourage our faith, harm us, and ultimately destroy our lives? Fortunately, God has equipped believers with armor to protect us from the enemy's attacks. Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
The Apostle Paul goes on to describe every implement of spiritual armor we’ll need to fend off the enemy's attacks. He includes a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes for standing firm and sharing the gospel of peace, a shield of faith, a helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. He encourages us to pray and to be vigilant. Do you have your armor nearby and at the ready?
Let us Walk in His Way
Dear heavenly Father, You knew Your Church would need protection from the schemes of Satan and his dominions when we desired to look more like Jesus. Help us remember to ‘armor up’ each morning, so that we have genuine protection for our bodies, minds, souls, hearts, and spirits throughout the day. Thank You, Lord, for equipping us and for keeping us from spiritual harm. Amen.
by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel
Author of “Walk in His Way” for
Carry the Light Ministries
