For the job that I
currently have, I wear a company issued uniform. It consists of a white
blouse and black blazer that have logos on them. There are also black
pants, a name tag and my ID badge. All are require to be clean and worn
when I arrive at my desk each morning. The uniform is not complete unless
it contains all the pieces that were issued to me.
I have completed the
last seven posts on the individual pieces of the armor of God and the garment
of praise. I did not feel this could be complete without putting it all
together. Just as my uniform is not complete without all the items
included, neither is our spiritual armor complete without all the items listed.
We are told to put on the full armor of God. "Therefore take
up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the
evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand
therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on
the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet,
having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In
all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God," (Ephesians 6:13-17 ESV) All of the items are
important and meant to be worn together.
The gait belt of truth
provides stability and balance. The bullet proof breastplate of
righteousness provides protection for our hearts. The running shoes of
the gospel of peace have us surefooted and ready to run the race God has set
before us. The wall of faith is the great first line of defense for our
entire body. And the protective helmet of salvation guards our mind. All
of these pieces of armor, worn together, protect us from falling when times of
trial and testing come. We may waver, but we will stand strong in the
end.
Although my ID badge
is least visible, it is actually the most important piece of my uniform.
Whereas the other four items I wear deal solely with outward appearance, my ID
badge is also a critical tool of my job. It confirms that I belong
here. It grants me access to the building and any locations I require to
go to perform my duties properly. And connected to the badge are the two
small keys to the file drawers where all my paperwork and supplies are
kept. Without this critical part of my uniform, I would not be able to
perform my duties.
The only item on
the Ephesians 6 list, described to be offensive, is the sword or sharp blade of
the word of God. We are to fight spiritual battles with the God-breathed,
Spirit-led, resurrection power-filled scripture. Interestingly, we put on
each of the other pieces by renewing our minds to this living word. “Do
not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of
your mind,” (Romans 12:2a ESV) We are transformed from ordinary
to extraordinary in God. Weaklings become warriors with His word on our
tongues. We can perform any task he calls us to.
Would I dare show up
to work with only part of my uniform on? No, I would be sent home.
Yet we go through our daily lives wearing only pieces of our armor. This
should not be true. My uniform identifies me. I have both the
company logo and my nametag. It tells both who I work for and who I
am. It associates me with others who wear the same uniform. It
provides what I require to perform my task. I come to work ready.
Don’t show up for your
day without your spiritual uniform, the armor of God. You will be
identified as a child of God almighty. Your name will be recognized by
all and feared by your foe. A united front will be formed with other
believers, and you will have all that you require to face the joys and trials
of each day. Face each day dressed for success in the Lord.
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