Many Christians believe that it is stylish to wear the brand of clothing, “Under Armour,” but more important than having on your Under Armour is to have on your Outer Armor, the whole “armor of God.”
The Bible tells us repeatedly that the Christian life is a battle, and we can’t afford to be underdressed and unprepared in time of war. We are told to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18), and to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
I know that Christians have on their helmet of salvation, and they carry the shield of faith, but what about the breastplate of righteousness? For many Christians, that piece of armor has been neglected and omitted because, they say, it binds, confines, restricts, and is uncomfortable. Many of the younger soldiers never got into the habit of wearing the breastplate of righteousness, stating that only the old-fashioned legalists still wear that antiquated piece of armor.
Some Christian soldiers don’t habitually use their belt of Truth, which usually leaves them in a situation somewhat embarrassing. I’ve seen some cocky, worldly Christians that are too “cool” to use the belt of Truth, but when they really needed it, they ended up, “looking like a fool with their pants on the ground!”
Other Christians go out barefooted, leaving their Gospel shoes at home in the rack. When a bad situation comes upon you, you will need your shoes to be able to stand your ground without slipping and sliding.
I believe that one of the main reasons why Christians keep losing the battle to temptation is that they don’t take the time to “suit up” with their spiritual armor, they aren’t prepared for battle, and they aren’t fighting. If you go out into the battlefield without your armor, unskilled with your Sword, and not expecting a fight, you won’t see the enemy coming, and you’re going to lose every time.
The Christian life is not a leisurely walk in the park, but a dangerous mission into enemy territory. Be expecting aggressive and violent attacks by the foe. You will get shot at, traps will be set for you to fall into, and you will be vulnerable to the enemy if you go out for a casual stroll. Don’t ever expect to get the victory if you’re not going to fight. He is out to destroy you, so be ready to fight!
Written by DLB – 9 November 2014