We’ve all fallen prey to strong holds in our lives, moments of weakness where we’ve fallen so far down, it’s hard to feel the love of God. As we believers of an all mighty God walk in victory, we must know that temptation doesn’t dissipate, and it cares nothing for our devotion to God. The worse part of quitting is starting over, thankfully there’s grace to cover us but, it doesn’t diminish the burden of relearning the lesson. We dress for work, for celebrations, we’re even dressed for our own funerals but, what should we wear to stay in victory? As sons and daughters of the King, the righteousness of God, how do we keep ourselves from falling?.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10
We pop the popcorn, ready our snacks, and set up the surround sound for an epic action movie. We watch as armored knights on opposing sides fight to the death to defend their land, honor, and loved ones. The sacrificial men in battle, with gleaming metal that reflects the sun is exactly how we should be dressed. How grand, how spectacularly brilliant they stand, how much they look as we do in the spirit. From head to toe, the bible gives us instructions on what to wear to cover ourselves and defeat our enemy. Paul is giving us the dress code for resisting temptation and walking in victory. It’s up to us to put it on DAILY.
The helmet of salvation protects our thought life. With Jesus on the brain, it makes it so much harder to give in to temptation. It is a constant reminder of the standards God has set for our lives. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The chest plate of righteousness guards our hearts, the place where all issues of life flow from. The belt of truth helps us to combat the schemes and lies of the enemy, the shield of faith which protects us, our feet covered in peace, prepared to share the Gospel, and the sword which is the Word of God.
When the camera cuts to a close up of the king on the battlefield, he roars behind his helmet, raises his sword as the screen surrenders to a slow motion shot that builds our anxiety, we silently pray he wins. God wants us to win! He has taken every measure and moment into consideration to equip us for victory. Temptation may never dissipate but the power it once had over us can become a distant memory. When we fill our heads, hearts, and lives with the goodness of God, what was once pleasing doesn’t satisfy anymore. What was once the fight of our lives is now our testimony as we are fully dressed; Christ in us, the hope of glory!
