The Armor of God
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:14-17
Recently Holy Spirit has been directing my attention to what the armor of God really is. When we think of armor you instantly think of something to be worn to go into battle or go at war, and it can be, but it has greater purpose. As He directed my attention to the different “pieces”, He showed me how the armor of God isn’t about war, but rather His precepts for the son to walk out. It truly caused me to have a different perspective and read it as though it were the first time.
The armor of God is about being covered in what we need in our daily walk and have “full confidence and assurance” in the One who sent us. This armor is not natural pieces of metal of protection, but rather His precepts which are “like” splendid armor of a soldier. These precepts are direction given as instruction, action, or (moral) conduct.
Consider for a moment what these verses actually say and what the instruction is. Around the core of who you are is truth, fastened tight and secure; again your core, your body is covered by righteousness, and your feet walk the path of peace (opposite the definition of war). You have a shield of faith, to extinguish or put out flaming darts not fire them back; the helmet of salvation to guard the mind and even eyes and head; and the sword of the Spirit is kept in your hand which is the word of God. We are given these incredible tools and keys of righteousness, faith, truth, salvation, and His word and when worn properly you are covered, protected, shielded in every circumstance.
A few verses earlier it tells the son to be “strong IN Yahweh and in the strength of HIS might.…” (v. 10). We are encouraged to be strong IN the Father, full of trust, confidence, and assurance in the strength of HIS power, His might. We are then afforded the ability to be who He created us to be, covered on every side, safely.
Be encouraged today, walk in His precepts of truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, His word, and peace. They are all found in Him through relationship.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor (precepts) of God….” Ephesians 6:10-11