The Christian’s Armor

Tuesday morning I was up early working on my blog in the breakfast room at Homewood Suites in St. Augustine.

I noticed a man dressed in a coat and tie at table near me reading his Bible. Later when Norma joined me for breakfast, the man was still there. When he finished reading, I walked over and introduced myself.

“My name is Chuck,” he said.

“We have something in common,” I shared.

“Oh,” he said with a slight smile.

“Yes,” we’re the only two in here reading our Bibles,” as I pointed to my open Bible on the table behind him.

Then I asked Chuck something that I’m often asked when people see me in a public place reading my Bible. “Are you a preacher?”

“No,” Chuck replied. “I work for the Department of Education and travel a lot.” Then pointing to his Bible he said something I shall never forget. “This is my armor.”

The metaphor Chuck alluded to has a Biblical basis in Ephesians 6:10-18, often called “The Christian Armor.”

In that text, Paul says God provides the equipment to engage in spiritual warfare both offensively and defensively. The metaphor of the Roman soldier’s armor was an apt analogy they understood. However, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual.

The belt of truth. Just like the belt held the soldier’s tunic in place, and protected his core, our spiritual loins are girded with Truth.

The breastplate of righteousness. When a Christian is clothed in righteousness he’s fortified against Satan’s assaults. Righteousness and holiness are our spiritual bullet-proof vest.

The shoes of the gospel. To provide proper footing for the battle, to move easily and to stand firmly, we need the right footwear. That’s the gospel of Christ.

The shield of faith. The defensive weapon against the devil’s fiery darts is our faith. It’s a living, active daily faith. It’s trust. Confidence. And the assurance that is a buffer and bulwark to shield and safeguard us.

The helmet of salvation. Satan seeks to attack your mind. Your thinking. And the feelings that arise from our thoughts. However, a God-controlled mind focused on salvation can insulate us from the devil’s attacks

The sword of the spirit. This offensive weapon, which is God’s Word, is able to pierce the heart, prick the conscience and penetrate the soul of the Evil One’s emissaries.

Note the common denominator of the Christian’s armor is the Word of God.

So, why would Chuck mention the Bible as his armor in connection with his job that required lots of traveling?

Do you suppose that devil might use such occasions when a man is away from home as an opportune time to tempt him to sin? To engage in illicit activity? To partake of forbidden fruit? To read literature appealing to the carnal mind? To watch movies that arouse the lusts of the flesh? To participate with colleagues or clients in unwholesome and unholy entertainment? To cooperate and conspire with dishonest people? To cover up a failure to perform his duties to his supervisor?

Chuck’s simple, but profound pronouncement admitted that the Devil is real. He is shrewd and subtle. Cunning and crafty. Wicked and wily. Satan’s schemes are designed to deceive, entice and entrap his prey. So, we must ever be on guard. Be vigilant. Be watchful. And to equip ourselves with spiritual, Biblical armor.

Chuck knew what we should all know–God’s Word is Truth. It will protect, guide, counsel, and embolden us whenever and wherever the Devil attacks. It is our amour.

While you may not be traveling for your job like Chuck, aren’t we all on a journey? As we travel through life regardless of our age, job, status, or distance from home, the Devil will look for some way to slip through the cracks. To employ some sly and sinister scheme to ensnare us.

Watch out. Open your Bible. Put on your amour. And don’t leave home without it.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman