CONNECTING POINT: Dressed for Battle

Winters in Montana can be brutal, and while the weather in the Whitehall Valley has been unseasonably warm lately, I know that when the temperature drops into the single digits or below, I will not go outside without being properly dressed. The chilly wind cuts like a knife to the marrow. For the Christian, being prepared is not an option but a necessity. Spiritual disciplines help us win the day, as found in Ephesians 6 and The Armor of God.

The first piece mentioned is the “belt of truth.” For the soldier, this item was a core element because other pieces of armor depended on the belt to remain in place and be secured. Paul establishes that truth is a core spiritual discipline that is to be part of the Christian’s character. In Ephesians 4:25, which is contextually relevant, Paul instructed Christians to put off falsehood. Lies, assumptions, slander, and more wreak havoc on relationships. As followers of Jesus, we need to stick to the truth.

Next, Paul compares a soldier’s breastplate to “righteousness.” Close-quarters combat, such as protection from spears, necessitated the breastplate. Righteousness as a spiritual discipline is given solely to the Christian by Jesus through His sacrificial death. God overlooks our sin because Jesus was sinless. Righteousness of our own making through good works is useless. So, the implication both spiritually and relationally is that as Christians, we must guard our hearts against bitterness, anger, and resentment. If we are not dressed in Christ’s righteousness and lean on our own righteousness, our hearts can be tainted or injured.

Another piece of the armor includes the “shoes of peace.” For the Roman soldier, thick leather soles with spikes improved traction and provided them with a sure footing in combat. There is a tendency to associate the “shoes of peace” with evangelism and Ephesians, which is not accurate. Sure, numerous other verses speak of sharing the Gospel with others, but that is not Paul’s meaning here. He is stating that the spiritual discipline of peace in Christ is all about standing firm in one’s faith (6:14).

A fourth piece of the armor is the “shield of faith,” which protects against the flaming arrows of the evil one. Historians suggest that Roman soldiers soaked leather and metal shields in water before battle to protect them against flaming arrows. Regarding a spiritual discipline, faith is more about placing our trust in God. When doubts, fears, and disappointments are hurled our way, we rely on our faith in God.

The fifth piece of armor Paul speaks about is the “helmet of salvation.” Helmets have long been used to protect the head and face. A blow to the head could eliminate a soldier quickly. Paul intends that Christians must protect their thoughts and minds. When insecurity and doubt test our faith, we really need the assurance of Christ’s great love.

Lastly, the only offensive weapon is the “Sword of the Spirit or Word of God.” Like the Psalmist David, when we place God’s Word in our hearts, we are prepared and ready for life’s battles. Daily, we rely on the Bible for spiritual nourishment and strength.

Here, Paul teaches us, Christian and non-Christian alike, to get ready for each day with the full armor of God.