Dressed for Success

 Happy Sunday!

"So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor.  Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet.  Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit."(Ephesians 6:13-17 CEV).

There are all kinds of uniforms in the world.  Each one designed for different tasks, occupations, and athletic games.  In our neighborhood there have been many neighbors replacing their roofs after a major storm last year.  Roofers would never climb up on the roof with the uniform used by a professional hockey player.  And the hockey player would never go out on the ice with the basketball uniform like the one Dr. J used to wear.  #shortshorts.

We have the "Whole Armor" of God.  This spiritual uniform equips us and protects us. The Belt of Truth is the first piece that the Apostle Paul mentions.  We've moved to skinny jeans instead of sagging pants so I'm not sure how well belt sales are going.  But I envision it more like a military belt, or a tool belt anchoring and holding necessary weapons.  Truth still exists, but I'm amazed daily at how many people lie.  In Tech Support and Customer Service I'm constantly asking questions.  Many times, it's easy to tell when the customer is being untruthful.  I will ask has your device been dropped, damaged, submerged in or exposed to liquid?  My customer will say no, but later when I give the necessary disclaimers about sending in a damaged device for warranty replacement they hesitate.  Telling lies is costly.  Revelation 21:8 says, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."(KJV).

The next piece is the Breastplate of Righteousness.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He orchestrated this: the Anointed One, who had never experienced sin, became sin for us so that in Him we might embody the very righteousness of God."(Voice).  Righteousness is God's way of doing and being right.  Just like a physical breastplate protects your vital organs, righteousness protects your life and livelihood.  

The Gospel of Peace is the next piece of our armor and it is described as shoes. Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for PEACE, and things wherewith one may edify another."(KJV).  And Hebrews 12:14 says, "Let it be your ambition to live at PEACE with all men and to achieve holiness “without which no man shall see the Lord”.(Phillips).

The Shield of Faith guarantees our protection against anything the enemy may throw at us.  The Phillips Translation says it like this, "Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you."(Ephesians 6:16).  Hebrews 11:6 says, " But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."(KJV).  Faith pleases God, and thwarts the enemies attacks.  

The Helmet of Salvation protects our head from evil thoughts, feelings, imaginations, and emotions.  2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."(Message). 

Finally, our only offensive weapon, The Sword of the Spirit which is God's Word.  We can use the Word of God to cut our enemy to pieces.  Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.  Hebrews 4:15 says, "Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned."(Easy-to-Read Version).  He simply used the Word of God.  He told Satan each time, "It is written".  The enemy left him alone because he cannot stand against the Word of God. We have the benefit of the Word, and the permission to use it daily.

Dressed for Success.

Love and prayers, Cynthia