Ready:
“For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.” — इफिसियों 6:13
Set:
Many athletes have their favorite shoe or gear. When I first started playing basketball in the 1970s, my choice was the Converse All Star shoe. It was first developed in the 1920’s. It was the shoe of choice in the Olympics from 1936 to 1960s. In 1949, Converse basketball shoes became the choice of NBA players.
There is gear necessary for our spiritual lives as well. God provides it, we just need to put it on. The list of spiritual gear comes from Ephesians 6:14-17. It says, “Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit ‚which is the word of God.” Notice each piece of gear: a belt of truth that holds us together, a breastplate of righteousness covering our heart, shoes for our feet, feet that are moving toward others with peace and the Good News of Jesus, the shied of faith to block the darts and arrows of evil, the helmet of salvation that protects our minds, and the offensive gear, the sword, which is the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:13, tells us to put on all of the armor, the whole spiritual gear, so that we can be strong and stand firm, not being defeated. This gear is a full set not a partial set. It’s not one shoe and one sock, or pants without a belt, or only defensive gear. It’s the full package. Fully set. Fully covered. Fully prepared. Nothing missing.
Take a closer look at this spiritual gear and see which piece you need to compete better and stronger in your Christian life. Get that piece. Put it on and give yourself the greater possibility of winning. God, our great coach, has provided the gear. Use it to win at life.
Go:
What’s your favorite gear for your sport? Why is it your favorite?
What piece of the spiritual gear mentioned do you need more of? How will you get it and wear it?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord Jesus, You have provided the spiritual gear I need to live right and victoriously. Help me put this gear on and use it correctly. You want me to stand and to be firm in my faith. I ask You for courage and strength to live this way. Thank you. Amen.”