Protection
By Tracy Smith
“Put on the full
armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians
6:11 (NIV)
For
Veteran’s Day, I’ve been thinking about our nation’s protectors and all they do
for us. Throughout the years, the men and women of our Armed Forces have
sacrificed much to keep us safe and free. As I continued thinking about
Veteran’s Day and our military, it occurred to me that they could not do their
jobs and make the sacrifices they make without the proper tools and protection.
Today’s
soldiers do not go into battle without the proper equipment: helmet, eye
protection, bulletproof body armor, boots, weapons, armored vehicles, etc. Each
one of these tools has a purpose for their protection. Without them, their jobs
would be much more difficult, if not impossible.
The
same is true in the life of a Christ follower. Our battle is not a battle
against human foes, but against those that are not of this world, and we must
be prepared. Ephesians
6:12 says, “ For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Verses
13-17 go on to outline the tools and equipment we have at our disposal to fight
the battle.
“Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may
be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to
stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your
waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your
feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In
addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of
salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
As
we start each day, we need to make sure that we are going into battle with all
that we need: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel
of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the
Spirit.
Just
as our soldiers would not go into battle without the proper gear, neither
should we.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Which one of the tools mentioned in Ephesians
6:13-17 do you tend to forget you have at your disposal? Will you pray for a
change?
2. Do you
know veterans or someone who is
currently serving? If so, please use this day to thank them for their service.
FURTHER READING:
