It's Not Just What You Wear

Suggested Scripture:

Ephesians 6

Key Verse:
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
(Ephesians 6:13, NIV)

My dad used to have an amusing painting in the den. It depicted two cowboys one of whom was leaning against the saloon counter, wearing well-worn jeans, a plaid work shirt, crumpled hat, and of course, dusty boots. The fella next to him, obviously a city slicker or sorts, wore sunglasses, a spotless white Stetson hat, shiny bolo tie at the collar of his striped shirt. Jeans that were held up by a glimmering, sparkling belt buckle, and tucked into his never-been-worn before boots with a high heel. The caption on the painting has the first man saying to the city slicker "I can tell by yer outfit that yer a cowboy."

It's not how one dresses, but how one behaves that identifies who they are. Christians are not supposed to stand on ceremony and appearance, but rather, to behave obediently to God's commands. Christians are also instructed to be well prepared for the evil things of this world, and to rely on the armor and strength of the Holy Spirit to prop us up in the midst of attack from the evil one.

Our spiritual armor should always be in tact, but I hardly think it should still be shiny. It should bear the marks of the attacks we have endured. Each battle-scar on our armor serves to remind us of why we wear it, and the many ways and occasions in which God has protected us.

Reflecting Pool:

Do you wear your spiritual armor on a daily basis?

How has God protected you from spiritual attack?

Deep Diving:

Think of one your life's most difficult trials. Without the Armor of God to protect your vulnerable spirit, how do think you would fare?