I can't tell sometimes whether the battle is outside of me or inside me. At times it is clear but when it comes in the form of something I want I am left wondering of it is within. I read a few years ago a great book by someone I had the privilege to meet. The name of the book is Taking Up the Shield or something to that effect. It has been the only theological book I have been able to finish besides the Bible. It was based on Ephesians 6 the portion of scripture on taking up the full armour of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18 NASB
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING put ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
It is easy to think that not fighting will help but truly it won't. So if you are a sort of pacifist like me still take up the sword and shield its not only for men its for women too. By God's grace I strengthen by God, by all the armour He provides I can resist sin, the devil, and flee temptation.
No comments:
Post a Comment