The Whole Armor of God

When a policeman goes to work, he puts on a whole lot of stuff. Some of it we can see and some of it we can't. He has his uniform that includes a hat, shirt, pants and shoes - all the regulations require. He also carries a badge that identifies him as a policeman. Underneath his shirt he has his bulletproof vest. Around his waist he has a belt that holds his pistol, mace, a stun gun, a baton, and probably other things.

A policeman would not ever think of going to work without putting on all of his uniform. I've been told the belt is pretty heavy and the vest can be hot. But the policeman wouldn't "mix and match" his uniform and gear and decided I will wear this and not that; I will carry this equipment but not that equipment. Wearing it all is important for battles he may face and for keeping him safe.

The same is true for the followers of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 6:10-12, Paul instructs us about the battles we will face. He reminds us that our battles are not against people - not against our neighbors or our boss or even the politicians - but are spiritual in nature. Just like the policeman, we have a uniform to wear. Wearing it all is important for the battles we face and for keeping us safe.

Paul lists 6 pieces of armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the Gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Too many people only put on the helmet. They are saved and they believe that is all they have to do. Then they wonder why the Christian life isn't working for them, why they don't seem to be overcoming their sins or their struggles. They never step out in faith, they don't read the word of God, they don't know Truth, they don't walk with integrity, they don't share the Good News of Jesus - the whole armor is missing.

No where in the Bible do I find a life of ease or a life free of struggle for God's people, at least not until the end of time when God makes all things new. God promised the children of Israel a land flowing with milk and honey but when they finally got there, they had to fight for each city, each territory. They same is true for us. God has given us the free gift of His Son but until He takes us home, we must fight battles. But He has supplied all the armor we need to stand firm in the battle, to stand firm to the very end, if we will just put it on.