There are different ways to arm oneself in the battle between good and evil. Some people opt for aggression, others for cynicism, and still others for campaigning. Defense, attack, or run away, it is all possible.
The Bible also speaks of armor that we can reach for. His weapons are of a completely different order, a spiritual order.
You can find the basic text for this series in Ephesians 6:10-13. It will help you to read it regularly, as a reminder that 1) there is a spiritual battle, 2) God gives us weapons, 3) we do not fight against people and 4) we can stand firm (yeah!).
If we continue reading in Ephesians 6, we come to verse 14, which is a strong appeal: Stand ready, the Good News translation says. In other translations: Stand firm! Be prepared! The message is clear: get off the couch!
The first weapon God gives us is TRUTH, to wear as a belt. We must gird ourselves with truth. To gird means to encircle or bind with a belt or band, to surround; enclose; hem in, frame, encircle, encompass.
We live in a world where the opposite will happen if we are not careful, we are surrounded (girded) by lies. I hear it almost daily in conversations ... who speaks the truth? How do I know if this is true? Why do people lie under oath? etc. etc. In order to have a somewhat clear understanding of the thousand things that come our way each day, it is crucial that we are enclosed by the truth, that we have embraced truth.
When we are encircled (girded) by truth, we look to the outside as through a filter. A truth filter. And you know what, Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Apart from Him, apart from the truth, we cannot stand in battle. If you believe in Him, He will give you the Spirit of Truth, who comes to live in you and will be with you always. 👉 He gives truth counsel.
PS: In my book Spirit of Truth I go deeper into the root cause of deception, which is twisted truth. I believe it is a must-read for such a time as this. Kindle and paperback are available on Amazon.
Amen. A young man in a Christian TV movie said, "Every movie is a sermon." If not careful, everything we hear can confuse us or enlighten us. Great post.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, so true. We must be careful not be like a wave in the ocean, going up and down with every wind of teaching...
DeleteOnce again I left my name off the above comment: Patricia Annalee Kirk.
ReplyDeleteOh hi Pat, well thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.
DeleteIt is more important than ever for us to don the full armor of God, Marja. Yes, the spiritual attacks are non-stop, and only God can keep us prepared and ready to meet them.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Exactly Martha, I think we should no longer act surprised when all kind of trouble comes our way, but be prepared instead!
DeleteThis is a good message for us during these times of COVID. We have to realize that we are not alone and have a Defender who will guide us through these tough times.
ReplyDeleteExactly Cecelia, He is our Defender, our shield and our fortress!
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