What better time than at the start of a new year, to resolve to put on the whole armor of God for the coming
battles.
Had you ever noticed that spiritual armor is completely made of protective things except one? There is only
one weapon; “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
And notice…there is no protection for your back? We are not to turn and retreat, but to press on.
If there ever was a resolution that should be made and kept at all costs, it would be to cover our loins with
truth, protect our breast with righteousness, have our feet shod with peace, and above all, to take the shield of faith for
warding off the fiery darts of satan.
We need the helmet of salvation, while asking for help through the supplication of prayer, and watching continually
as we use that one weapon, the sword of the Spirit…that two-edged implement that served so well for Jesus Himself when
He was tempted of that evil one after 40 days of fasting.
The Apostle Paul gave this wisdom to the Ephesians, who were new to the faith, and of course it’s meant
for us, too…and his words serve the newcomer as well as the experienced Christian.
The scriptures we’re talking about are found in the 13th chapter of Romans, and in Ephesians,
chapter six and verses 11 and 13.
Like the football or hockey player, we’re in the roughest of games, against the toughest of opponents,
so we need as much protection as we can get. What’s more, they’re from the spirit world, and they like to dress
up in beauty, to lure you by making you think you’re getting into a good thing. But don’t be mislead. Remember
that your payday…your reward…is in the next world, which is never-ending. Don’t be lulled like the child
who would rather have the lollipop he sees, than to wait a while for much better things.
Thorntonism: Put on your armor as you welcome the new year.
