By Emilie Gruben.
May has arrived. Co-ops are ending, the weather is warming, and many trips will begin to be embarked on. Often, at least for a short portion of time, families and individuals will spend time during the Summer and late spring, on vacation. These holidays look different for everyone, but perhaps something that we all have in common is the preparation for the journey. No matter where you are going, who you are going with, or how long you’ll be away-I’m sure you will need to be clothed.
Packing can be stressful for some people and calming for others. The time of folding clothes and placing them in a suitcase. Deciding what books to bring, or how many balls of yarn to stuff in your activity bag. Every one of us has a traditionally packed item, or a necessity of personal preference. But today’s practical post subject is perhaps more practical than most pairs of shoes, or how many shirts you bring along. The packing list we should always follow, no matter the occasion, is found in Ephesians 6:10-20, as follows.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
This passage gives us many commands and expectations of believers and of self, alike. Directions on attitude and character, as well as goals and encouragements. We can apply such to our lives, as well as “pack” the items in our suitcases for every trip we take. After all, they are the most important!
We are first instructed to put on “The whole armor of God,” which can be our visual of accepting Christ into your life as your Savior and hope in all sin, as redemption. When you put on the full armor of God, you are protecting yourself from the perils of the world, and all dark matter. This step is the first in the series of many in which you will walk. To fall before the Lord, helpless, with a recognition of sin. You are in vital need of protection, whether it be from harmful means, ungodly company, or your own poor choices. The “action” of putting in the armor of God, is one that we must all experience for the first time. But after this first, it should be the means by which we see the world-a protected lens of hope.
Next, we have the instructions of arming ourselves with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, and faith. As we transform our lives in the newfound faith, we are overcome with new attributes and characteristics of Christ. We seek to tell the truth and pursue its presence, in all things. With the admiration and trusting of God as savior and friend, one begins to cultivate a life of righteousness out of love and admiration for their savior. The Word of God becomes a light to their path, and a strength in despair. The Gospel becomes a way for us to have a perspective of the world through the eyes of Christ. How we should discern, judge, love, honor, and care for others. The Word becomes a rule book for the newly appointed people of God, same as hundreds of years before.
The Shield of Faith is the next thing that we will take up. To distinguish each of the attacks that we will encounter. To distinguish every fiery harm to our own bodies or our faith. This is our defense. Every piece of armor that we pack and put on is to our advantage-the sole purpose of keeping us unharmed. But why are there specific meanings to each one? Because our minds and bodies will be tempted and hurt in many various ways, if we do not purposely make efforts to preserve each one.
The Helmet of Salvation is second to last, but no less important than the others. Our heads hold many things in them, but perhaps the “most vital” to our health is the brain. Tucked away inside of our heads, the brain gives our bodies commands and messages, every millisecond. Our hearts are unable to beat, our lungs unable to breathe without direction. If our heads are hit, our ability to function can easily be damaged. If we are not thinking in a conscious, Christ-honoring way, then our salvation and lifestyle will be impacted. When we allow the enemy to strike, there will be consequences. As when we were younger children, our parents instructed us to wear helmets if we rode our bikes, or we would be unable to ride them. Will you always take the precaution to guard yourself and your mind?
Lastly, is the Sword of the Spirit. The Word of God. Prayer in all things, with no failings or shortcomings in your striving to seek Him. Do not pray halfheartedly, or read the Word for the purpose of “getting it out of the way.” Savor your time in the Word, and utilize your ability to speak to Him. Take every opportunity to present your troubles, praises, and hardships to the Lord. Protect your body in such a way that you are built for God and God alone.
The last three verses truly command us how we are to apply these truths. Even though we’ve already read them, let’s do so, again.
“praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
An ambassador in chains. That really strikes me. Our bodies, even after these applications, really aren’t our own. They are the Lord’s. (Rom. 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 6:19-20). We are not our own minds, wandering around as we choose. Once we are the Lord’s, we are bound to Him by chains. We are slaves to Christ, servants to the Word. Not only is prayer our honor and blessing, but our duty. Each of these pieces of armor is demanded, not optional. And if you are the Lord’s, you will want to apply them to your lifestyle. We should speak this truth, boldly. We will want to speak truth, boldly. We will speak the truth boldly, as we can do no other.
So, the next time you are packing for a trip or just stepping out the door to get groceries, remember what you should be wearing. When you’re inspecting your purse, think about the Sword of the Spirit. Are you thinking about how you will present yourself as a Child of God in a broken world, or are you panicking about where your makeup or keys are? These things are not wrong or bad, in the least. But remember to make the things which you “cannot see” a priority. Remember they are needed wherever you will go, no matter what.
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