Armor!

 I had a dentist appointment the other day. As they sat me in the chair, they let me know that I was due to have x-rays taken. When it was time for the x-rays, the tech came in and placed a lead cover, apron, blanket (not sure what they are really called) over me, to protect me from radiation exposure.

As the tech placed the covering over me, I started thinking about how many other kinds of people use protective coverings?

Police officers wear bullet proof vests. Military personal wear Kevlar to protect them while out on patrol or in an active situation. They also wear helmets to protect their heads. Firefighters wear helmets and fire retardant clothing, to protect them from the fire.

All kind of sports teams wear helmets and other kinds of body protection to keep them safe during the game. Hockey, baseball, football. Baseball catchers and hockey goalies wear chest protectors and leg protectors. NFL quarterbacks will wear a flak jacket to protect their ribs from injury, or further injury.

So all these professions wear all kinds of body armor to protect them and keep them safe in whatever they are doing or facing.

Then I thought about us Christians. Aren't we supposed to do the same? Put on the full armor of God, to protect us in battle?

Ephesians 6:12 Amplified Bible

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

Ephesians 6:13 New Living Translation

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

The Bible lists several pieces of armor that we need to put on the defeat the enemy. If you take notice, all the armor is forward facing. Meaning that nothing protects our back. That's because we are not supposed to turn around and run. We are to go forward in our battles!

Ephesians 6:14-18 The Message

14 Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind.

Unlike others on this list, who can put on and take off their protective equipment, we should have ours on and at the ready at all times. We will never know when the enemy is going to attack. He is relentless, I'll say that. The more prepared we are, the better off we'll be to deflect him and his attacks. Being in prayer should be our first line of defense, not out last resort! Prayer is a powerful weapon!

It seems like more and more everyday, we as Christians are under attack. We need to put on the full armor that God provides us, and go into battle. He will be there with us, fighting for us!

Isaiah 54:17 New Living Translation

17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.

God bless.

Rev. Kev.