In the battle against the enemy, soldiers take up body armor.
Over the years this armor has changed from medieval suits of armor to bullet proof vests, but the fundamental principal has remained unchanged; protect your body. A wounded soldier cannot fight, cannot save, cannot help others.
In battle, the quest, the focus, the desire is to win. To uphold a mission greater than the individual soldier.
As believers, we are in a daily battle for our mind, our spirits, our lives and our mission is greater than ourselves. This mission is to protect, to advance, to boldly worship the God of eternity. Our body armor is a belt of truth as we identify the lies, the deceit around us. Whispered lies in the cover of darkness, in the path of temptation. Loudly yelled lies that seek to woo and seduce. We put on the body armor of God's righteous, a covering that screens us from personal, unholy choices. Our feet are outfitted with the swiftness, the peace, that comes with the gospel. Good news that saves, that builds up, that offers hope, that carries us on the right path. We take up the shield of faith, so that in every battle, our faith points us in the right direction. Our faith-that which we have experienced, unseen, yet powerfully lived out. Salvation protects our mind, like a helmet, reminding us that by Christ's blood we a fully covered. And finally, we weld the sword of the spirit, the very Word of God. And with this Word, we pray without end, continually and fervently, focused of God alone.
The battle lines were drawn long before we lived and will continue after we die. This battle engages us daily, whether we feel inclined to fight it. But God, in His wisdom, mercy, and love offers body armor to suit up, to draw upon, to train in so that we might fight and stand firm.
Take up the armor. Be ready. And pray.
