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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