As Christians, we are called to put on the whole armor of God, as it says in Ephesians 6:11-18. This is not just a suggestion or a nice thing to do; it is a command from God Himself. The spiritual battle we face is real, and we must be prepared if we hope to emerge victorious.
The first piece of the armor is the belt of truth. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” When we put on the belt of truth, we are girding ourselves with Christ Himself. We are acknowledging that He is the source of all truth and that we must submit ourselves to Him and His teachings. We must also be committed to living lives of truthfulness, integrity, and honesty, both in our words and our actions.
The second piece of the armor is the breastplate of righteousness. This protects our hearts, which are the seat of our emotions and desires. When we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we are committing ourselves to a life of obedience to God’s commands. We must strive to live righteously, to do what is good and just and honorable, and to avoid anything that would compromise our integrity or tarnish our reputation.
The third piece of the armor is the shoes of peace. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in a world that is full of conflict and strife. When we put on the shoes of peace, we are ready to go wherever God sends us, to share the message of peace and reconciliation with those who are lost and hurting. We must also be prepared to stand firm in the face of opposition and persecution, knowing that our God is with us and will never leave us nor forsake us.
The fourth piece of the armor is the shield of faith. In Hebrews 11:1, we read that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. When we put on the shield of faith, we are acknowledging that our faith in God is the foundation of our lives. We must trust in Him completely, even when we don’t understand what is happening around us. We must also be willing to step out in faith, to take risks, and to trust God to lead us and guide us along the way.
The fifth piece of the armor is the helmet of salvation. This protects our minds, which are the battleground for spiritual warfare. When we put on the helmet of salvation, we are affirming our belief in Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. We are declaring that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and that nothing can separate us from His love. We must also be vigilant in guarding our minds against the lies and deceptions of the enemy, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
The sixth and final piece of the armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. In Hebrews 4:12, we read that the Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. When we wield the sword of the Spirit, we are using the Word of God as a weapon against the forces of darkness. We must be diligent in studying and memorizing Scripture, so that we are equipped to use it effectively in spiritual battle.
Putting on the whole armor of God is not a one-time event, but a daily discipline. We must be intentional about it, making it a priority in our lives. When we do, we can be confident that we are prepared for whatever challenges may come our way. We can stand firm in the strength of the Lord, knowing that He has already won the ultimate victory on our behalf.
