If you are wearing it, are you consistant? Do you wear it daily or every once in awhile? You realize that He told you to wear it "so that you will be able to stand firm"(that's in Ephesians 6 too). If you wear it so you can stand firm then you must be putting it on everyday, not just every once in awhile, right? I know you don't want to be knocked about by the enemy and you do want to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11), so you must be wearing it daily!
And you probably already know what the Armor of God is...but we'll refresh our memories for those who maybe aren't wearing it daily.
There is:
- The helmet of Salvation
- The breastplate of Righteousness
- The belt of Truth
- The shoes of Peace
- The shield of Faith
- The sword of Spirit (the word of God)
The scripture goes in a different order, but I put it on in this order because it visually works for me, I actually speak the act of putting on each piece of the armor and visualize it as I put it on. I start at my head, work my way down and then pick up the shield and sword and I'm ready to go!
The helmet protects our minds and thoughts, so I have it on and I can focus on what I'm doing! The breastplate protects our hearts, then we can put our armor on in a heartfelt way. not wavering in our minds or hearts! The belt of truth we wrap around ourselves, the truth of God and His word. We put on the shoes of peace so we stand on a firm foundation and are free to focus, walk in God's Spirit. The shield of Faith is lifted in front of us and protects us when the enemy tries to attack, in faith we know that God is for us and the enemy will not prevail! The sword of the Spirit! God's word! It is a two edged sword and cuts through all things, read it, study it and speak it, the enemy does not have a chance against this!
Okay, now we know we need to wear the Armor daily, and we know what it is. So, let's look at how we wear it, do you put the armor on and wear it in a lazy manner or do you cinch it up and keep it in place all day? Do you let the helmet of salvation slip back on your head, after all you know you are saved and you know who saved you...so why keep it sitting up on top of your head all day? It's not just about being saved! It's about your thought life now that you are saved! Protect your mind and your thoughts, taking every thought captive.
Do you keep the Breastplate securely against your chest, or does it get a little uncomfortable to move around with it all day? Maybe you can just lay it on your desk, or even leave it in the car and put it back on after work or school? Then what will protect your heart? That little thin shirt you're wearing? Our battle is against Principalities! not spit wads! Keep that breastplate up close like a bullet proof vest! Live a righteous life, walk a righteous path, maintain that Breastplate of Righteousness!
Now the belt of truth...does it get to feeling a little too tight and you need to loosen it up just a bit? I mean too much truth could really squeeze you uncomfortably, right? What's wrong with a little stretching of the truth here and there? It's still a belt and still wrapped around you, just not quite as binding? The purpose is to protect your core! To strengthen your inner man, it's not just about holding up your pants!
Are you still wearing the shoes? Did you kick them off when you wanted to get comfortable? But the shoes of peace should protect your standing and walking in all situations! Everywhere you go you could run into trouble with out shoes, there is a lot of situations that appear as broken glass and thorns in the world but the shoes of peace will guard you as you walk through them.
Here we go with my favorite parts! The shield of Faith and the sword of the Spirit! Some people think that is all they need to have to fight a battle with, but that is ridiculous! I do love these two pieces, but if we don't protect ourselves with the rest of the armor we will be wounded and not able to hold or carry the shield and sword. At first we may find the shield of faith is a heavy thing to carry, but as we carry it we become stronger and eventually can even be equipped with bigger shields! It is important to not drop our shield or let it drag behind us, we are too easily wounded if the shield is not up in place and protecting us as it is designed to be. The sword is vital, it is the only piece that's both offense and defense. Read, study and meditate on the Word of God be prepared constantly for battle because our enemy is roaming about looking for someone to devour, do battle! Fight him, pierce him with the Sword! the Word! in Jesus' name!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, Ephesians 6:10-18
