Before we leave the house, most of us check that our exterior is in good condition. In addition to the cosmetic upgrade we give ourselves, another important point is the right clothing. And in addition to appearance, it fulfills another important aspect, which has now been almost forgotten by many. The protection! The shoes protect our feet, the pants hide our genitals and the jacket protects us from the cold.
But what about our immortal soul? How can we protect them?
We find an answer to this in Ephesians 6. There we are asked to put on the armor of God.
Seven months ago, shortly before the surgeries on my knees and shortly after my marriage fell apart, I started incorporating Ephesians 6 into my quiet time. And this chapter has been an integral part of my life ever since. For I put on the armor of God every day before I leave the house.
Ephesians 6:13-29 NIV (Original Text)
Personalized text
The Weapons of God:
Equipment for the fight against the forces of evil10
Now one last thing[13]: I let the Lord[14] give me strength, I let myself be strengthened by his mighty power! 11 I will put on the armor that God has prepared for me; I will size all his weapons![15] With this I will be able to withstand the insidious attacks of the devil. 12 For my[16] battle is not against creatures of flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers of darkness that rule over the earth,[17] against the host of spirits in the invisible world, who are behind all evil [18]. 13 Therefore I will use whatever weapons God has in store for me.[19] Then when the day comes when the forces of evil attack,[20] I will be prepared and able to oppose them. I will fight successfully and emerge victorious in the end.[21] 14 So I am prepared to fight! I fasten the belt of truth[22] around my waist, I put on the breastplate of righteousness[23], 15 and I wear on my feet the shoes of readiness to spread the gospel of peace[24]. 16 In addition to all these,[25] I take up the shield[26] of faith,[27] with which I can neutralize every dart that the evil one shoots against me. 17 I will put on the helmet of salvation, and I will take up the sword that the Holy Spirit gives me.[28] this sword is the Word of God[29].
In this way I am prepared for the day and can master it, but of course only because I have the help of Jesus Christ and God the Father. The armor not only helps me deal with unpleasant thoughts, but it also changes me in ways I never thought possible. The armor of God penetrates me with the power of God. From above, from the chest, from behind, from the loins and from the feet. And when I do complain about other drivers, I almost immediately remember that I am wearing the helmet of salvation and can ask God for forgiveness for this outburst in a short prayer. I also experience that God calls me into his word during the normal course of the day. Then, if possible, I read a psalm or a chapter of His Word aloud to myself.
Protection, it's so important. Especially for our soul. So we should make sure that it is protected and safe.
Comments