Dressing for Success
By Shelly Schumacher
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11
Just recently, I decided to go back to the professional workforce. After 12 years working at home, a lot of things have changed, not the least of which is my professional wardrobe. I was always told, if you wanted to look professional, you had to dress for success. With that in mind, I went shopping for a few interviewing outfits.By Shelly Schumacher
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11
While out shopping, I thought about how I might dress if, instead of portraying a professional, I wanted to portray a Christian. I was reminded of a Vacation Bible School at our home when the kids dressed up in the armor of God. Everyday, a child would put on another piece, until they were completely outfitted in a suit of armor. Our last volunteer was barely able to stand under the weight of the shield of faith and had trouble seeing through the helmet of truth, but she was a shining example of the protection God gives us each day.
Ladies, when is the last time you put on your suit of armor? So often, we go out into the world unprotected. At the end of the day, we limp home, wounded from the battles encountered. Like me, you might find yourself questioning what you did wrong and what you can do to make things run smoothly in the future. What we fail to understand is that many times our difficulties arise not because of what we did, but what we didn’t do!
I wonder how different our days would look if, while we were dressing for success with our wardrobe, we mentally went through the ritual of putting on our God-given suit of armor that’s referenced in Ephesians 6: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word), and prayer. While things would not always run perfectly, the armor of God would allow us to face the day fully protected and dressed for God’s success. And, unlike the child at my VBS, our helmet would fit perfectly as we stood tall against the arrows of the evil one.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What battles do you face daily?
2. Take some time every morning to put on your suit of armor. Keep a journal making note how dressing for God’s success changes your day.
3. Praise God for His provisions and protection.
FURTHER READING:
Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:14; Ephesians 6:13
Shelly is wife to Nick and mom to her two girls. She spends her time freelancing as a writer/PR professional, and is active in Oakwood's worship and drama ministries.
