Battle Blindfolded
'Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 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. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.'
Ephesians 6:11-18
I have never served in the armed forces, so I'm not really familiar with the modern battle dress. I do know that there are essential pieces of equipment that a soldier, Marian, sailor, or airman would not approach conflict without. Paul lays out a collection of gear for a first-century soldier that was a must-have. Living in the 21st century; these items seem distant. The need of these become a little more clear to me when I think of approaching their battles without them.
How could I even begin to face conflict without a belt? Body armor, shoes, shield, helmet, nor a sword? Paul clearly explains his metaphor and in doing so lets us know the importance of each piece of the armor. Without any one piece, we are handicapped in the conflict. Rather than a part of the advancing force, we become wounded and require the care of others who would otherwise be advancing.
Satan is the prince of the powers of darkness, ruler, and god of this world. He is the author of physical and moral evil; the great enemy of God, of Christ and of his people, full of cunning and malice. He is continually seeking whom he may destroy, seducing men into sin, blinding their minds and suggesting evil skeptical thoughts. It’s all right and we must not be ignorant of it, or deny it. The battle is spiritual but it takes obedience in the flesh and will.
We must not perceive this conflict as though it were merely a struggle between the right and evil principles in our own hearts that can be solved with good ideas and worldly wisdom; to do this is to rush into a deadly battle blindfolded. The struggle is real. You are in the middle of it. The fight is for you. The engagement is for me. The campaign is for the Church. The contest is for the Kingdom. Are you blindfolded?
Ephesians 6:11-18
I have never served in the armed forces, so I'm not really familiar with the modern battle dress. I do know that there are essential pieces of equipment that a soldier, Marian, sailor, or airman would not approach conflict without. Paul lays out a collection of gear for a first-century soldier that was a must-have. Living in the 21st century; these items seem distant. The need of these become a little more clear to me when I think of approaching their battles without them.
How could I even begin to face conflict without a belt? Body armor, shoes, shield, helmet, nor a sword? Paul clearly explains his metaphor and in doing so lets us know the importance of each piece of the armor. Without any one piece, we are handicapped in the conflict. Rather than a part of the advancing force, we become wounded and require the care of others who would otherwise be advancing.
Satan is the prince of the powers of darkness, ruler, and god of this world. He is the author of physical and moral evil; the great enemy of God, of Christ and of his people, full of cunning and malice. He is continually seeking whom he may destroy, seducing men into sin, blinding their minds and suggesting evil skeptical thoughts. It’s all right and we must not be ignorant of it, or deny it. The battle is spiritual but it takes obedience in the flesh and will.
We must not perceive this conflict as though it were merely a struggle between the right and evil principles in our own hearts that can be solved with good ideas and worldly wisdom; to do this is to rush into a deadly battle blindfolded. The struggle is real. You are in the middle of it. The fight is for you. The engagement is for me. The campaign is for the Church. The contest is for the Kingdom. Are you blindfolded?
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