The NT description of this armor indicates why I need it, but first I need to recognize the enemy:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
It is easy to point fingers at the tools the enemy uses. It can be thoughts, events, teaching, inner desires, dreams, and other people. If I consider others who seem to be contrary toward me, then I’ve forgotten the real culprit who loves to stir up strife and destroy Christian unity or prevent me from loving people — the second great commandment.
Second, I need to remember why the armor is important; it enables me to “withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (6:13) — a loaded verse. Standing firm against evil is huge, but so also is “having done all” which indicates being fully able to do all that God asks of me. I need that armor!
The Belt of Truth: indicates Jesus who is truth, and the Word of God that describes it. Nothing false. That means being in the Word of God and believing what it says. Never neglecting truth, never heeding lies. Remembering that I do not need to study lies to recognize them; I must focus on truth and on Jesus.
Breastplate of Righteousness: This is Jesus. I’ve no protection for my heart and life without Him. This speaks of having His righteousness, but also humility. If I try to live by my own righteousness, I soon find out the uselessness of that effort, for I have none.
Shoes of Readiness: most think this means being instant to walk in peace and share the “gospel of peace” — and I tend to agree. With my armor on, I can avoid temptation, but it is also easy to talk about Jesus, to share Him and His peace with others.
Shield of Faith: this is protection against all that the enemy throws at me. His threats cannot stand when I am firmly trusting God to do whatever is needed and take care of whatever comes at me.
Helmet of Salvation: protects my mind from thinking I need to somehow save myself or doubt that I will ever make it. Salvation is not about me; it is about Jesus Christ and He does it. I need to think with His mind (which I have) and not my old silly notions filled with pride or self-pity. Jesus does it all.
Sword of the Spirit: this is the Word of God. The better I know it the sharper my sword, quicker to come to mind and longer to reach threats before they come too close. Keep it sharp and polished by knowing it well!
Prayer: Pray at all times, in perseverance, for all people, and for that which glorifies God and that we will boldly proclaims the Gospel as we ought.
Yes, always keep that spiritual armor on, not taking it off — as if my spiritual protection and fighting ability can take a holiday or a rest. Without it, I am spiritually naked and vulnerable. The enemy lies, tells me I can manage without Jesus, tells me no one is interested in hearing about salvation, Jesus will not come to my rescue, the Bible is too hard to understand, it takes too much time to read and study, blah, blah, blah.
PRAY: Lord Jesus, prayer is the battlefield. When I speak with You and You hear and answer, Satan is livid and takes a run at me to shut me up, or make me unwilling to pray. Sometimes his reasons appeal — so I don’t pray. This is one area where I need Your help. The armor may be on, but I’m giving in when I should be standing firm and not letting our enemy stop me. Prayer is a great weapon!
PONDER: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them (false teachers), for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Don’t forget this wonderful truth!
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