Standing Firm!
By Pamela Blattner
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)
My California uncle often quotes his former drill sergeant: "If you want to be the best you can be, you have to give your best. If you're going to do it, go all out. Why try if you're only going to try?" Last winter, I heard him say these words as he donned his newly-purchased down-filled coat. He was talking to himself - - pumping himself up - - for what was about to happen. He hates Wisconsin weather…but he was going out. It was time to open the door and take a step outside. With his blood boiling in that newly-purchased down-filled coat, he went through the airport’s revolving door and stepped out onto the concrete curb. In a moment, my uncle Chuck opened his eyes and ran into my heated car as fast as he could! That California boy was not about to stay outside during a Wisconsin winter!
We drove home laughing. Here he was, trying to be cool with shorts and a t-shirt on, thinking he was going to last more than 20 seconds in the freezing cold in just a huge Michelin-man puffy coat! We drove up to our house where everyone was out playing in the snow, actually enjoying themselves. They were running around, chasing the pets, and playing football. Someone forgot to tell them it was only 10 degrees outside!
Certain to not be left out, he went inside and began to devise a plan. Clowning around, he found every pair of my husband’s socks, every t-shirt, sweater, and jacket he could. He even took two beanie hats and wrapped them around his head. He could barely move as he waddled down the stairs and out into the harsh climate of the outside world ofWisconsin
We drove home laughing. Here he was, trying to be cool with shorts and a t-shirt on, thinking he was going to last more than 20 seconds in the freezing cold in just a huge Michelin-man puffy coat! We drove up to our house where everyone was out playing in the snow, actually enjoying themselves. They were running around, chasing the pets, and playing football. Someone forgot to tell them it was only 10 degrees outside!
Certain to not be left out, he went inside and began to devise a plan. Clowning around, he found every pair of my husband’s socks, every t-shirt, sweater, and jacket he could. He even took two beanie hats and wrapped them around his head. He could barely move as he waddled down the stairs and out into the harsh climate of the outside world of
While there was nothing holy about my Uncle Chuck’s outfit - - with no chance of winning any fashion awards - - he was warm and cozy, no matter what the temperature was outside. He stood firm and was ready for the battle.
Recently, my pastor has been talking about the Armor of God and standing firm. Just like my uncle put on his “battle gear” to brave the elements, we Christian soldiers must stand firm and prepare ourselves for combat: going all out with the truth around our hearts and salvation protecting our minds, our righteousness in place, our feet steadily ready for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, exercising our faith together, using the Word of God mightily, praying every which way all the day…wintry or not!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you doing to stay protected when sin and temptation come your way? How can you add to the “layers” you have on…reading and living out the Bible more, spending time with other believers, praying, serving?
FURTHER READING
1 Corinthians 16:13
Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and three grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministry and Touched Twice Ministry.
