I love lists. Shopping lists, chore lists, what-to-cook
lists, be-sure-to-pack lists. Lists comfort and guide me. I get a lot of
satisfaction checking off items on my lists. Done! Accomplished!
The Bible is full of lists—lists of ancestors, lists of people in charge, lists of good characteristics, lists of rules to follow. There are lots and lots of lists in Scripture.
One of my favorite lists from God’s Word is found in Ephesians 6:13-18, a passage often referred to as the armor of God. Paul wrote a lot of lists in his letters, but this one is a favorite for many people. It’s a list of spiritual virtues described as pieces of armor that every Christian needs to fight spiritually daily.
Starting at the head, the armor of God includes the helmet of salvation (v.17)—believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross so we could be forgiven for our sins. Knowing it is only by God’s grace that we enter Heaven will protect us from the tendency to think we can earn our way on our own merit, a battle we face over and over.
Next is the breastplate of righteousness (v.14). Righteousness is living our lives in obedience to God. When we embody honesty, integrity, humility, and selflessness, others can see God in us. They may still try to throw stones at us, but the breastplate of righteousness will protect us.
The belt of truth is our defense against false accusations and false teaching. Always speaking the truth protects us from the web we can build of own deceit. Knowing God’s truth (His Word) allow us to recognize the world’s attempts to deceive us.
Verse 16 tells us that when we hold the shield of faith, we will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. In Biblical times, the flaming arrow was the ultimate weapon. Faith in God protects us from whatever the world and Satan can throw at us. No matter what, God is in the battle with us.
The sword (v. 17) that God’s Spirit gives us to fight life’s spiritual battles is the Word of God. It is our offense. With it we defeat the world’s arguments against God and His people. When we share God’s truth with others, the Spirit gives them understanding and begins to change their lives.
No army can march in bare feet. Verse 15 encourages us to put on the shoes of readiness to announce the Good News of peace. Isn’t peace what we wish not just for the world, but for every individual? God wants us to be equipped to share the message of salvation so we can share the peace of knowing Him.
As we fasten on our Christian armor let us not forget prayer (v.18). The only way we can do all this is by asking for God's help. He alone can protect and defend us. He alone can use us to change the world.
Are you able to check off items on the Ephesians 6 list? Putting on God’s armor is something we must do daily. But we never face the day alone. God will equip us with every piece that we need.
Be encouraged!
