The Right Gear

There are some essential items of personal protective wear I have to have with me before I would start a job with a chainsaw. These protective items are essential to saving me from serious injury, or long term exposure to danger. It makes sense to have the right protective gear for what you need in your everyday work, whether you work in an office or in a lab or outside, there are certain dangers that may require a specialised piece of equipment to protect you from undesirable elements you may have to work with. We even wear sunscreen when out in the sun in summer so we lower our risk of getting burnt, which could lead to skin cancer.

Putting on clothing or items to protect us from dangers or environment is as old as it comes.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Jesus followers living in the ancient city of Ephesus. They thought this letter was so valuable, they risked their lives to have it accurately copied so they could distribute it to other fellow believers.  In this letter Paul lent into an element of the culture everyone understood, the Roman soldier. Paul used the protective gear the Roman soldiers wore to describe to the Ephesian community of Jesus followers what spiritual ‘protective’ gear was available to them through Jesus. In Ephesians 6 Paul tells us of the struggle that goes on behind the curtain of our reality. Paul talks about the dark forces and powers that conspire against God and humanity. He then gives guidance to believers in Jesus that God has spiritual armour available to them, and to put it all on.
​Paul writes:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:11-12 ESV
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​Then describing the armour of the occupying Roman forces, Paul relates this to his hearers of the day:
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Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:13-18 ESV
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So what does that look like in 21st Century living?  Paul might change his illustration to personal protective gear for a job, but the implications are still practical.

Belt of truth: Do you believe the truths God says about you or are you listening to another voice? Putting on the belt of truth is choosing everyday we get up and get dressed is also to put on what is most true about you, what God says, whether that is that you are a beloved son or daughter, or that He has gifted you with attributes that can be used to honour Him.

Breastplate of Righteousness: It’s about avoiding sin, keeping your life open before God, keeping short accounts with Him, and living free from the bondage of sin. This keeps our heart soft and flexible.

Shoes for our feet: Some versions say sandals, but the implications is that the gospel is solid ground to stand on. Like sprigs on a football boot, we can anchor into the ground to become steadfast.

Shield of Faith: This represents the confidence we place in Jesus. He’s got our back. He fights for us, Jesus is on our side. This can extinguish the ‘flaming arrows’ of the enemy When He accuses and says ‘where is God now’?, or ‘God will be so mad with you…’ The shield is no small piece of armour, It was like a door that when combined with other shirelds in a row became a formidable defence. Our faith combined with other believers becomes a strong defence.

Helmet of Salvation: You were paid for with a price. The price was the blood of Jesus at the Cross. This exchange also included the old flesh nature for a new one. You don’t have to continue living in the old ways. You can live in the new ways Christ has for you. Sometimes though we want to hold onto the ‘old ways’. they are a comfort of a secret sin we enjoy.

Sword of the Spirit: This is the word of God. The truth of God cuts through the lies of the enemy. God’s word cuts to the heart and can bring about the beautiful change in people’s lives. Reading God’s word helps us understand God’s perspective, when we speak God’s truths, they can bring life, freedom and beauty.

Paul stressed we need to put all the armour of God on, not just one or two pieces. In likening us t fully equipped soldiers, Paul sent a clear message. Soldiers only wear the armour when ready for battle. Putting on the armour prepares us for the battle that rages around us whether we are properly dressed or not. Doesn’t it make sense to wear the armour of God, being that the spiritual environment around us is hostile towards us?
God gave us Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Have you put yours on today?

Dave Maharey