¹³Therefore 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. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:13-20

When I was in high school, I had to take an assessment that told me what types of careers I might be interested in, which was funny to me, because I’d already been called into ministry, and so this stood only as a point of interest. One of the results was that I should be a Test Pilot. Now, at first glance, I thought this was a little insulting, because it made me sound dispensable. “Well, that one didn’t work. Ben was a nice guy, but when you sign up to be a test pilot…” But, as it was explained to me, it was an indicator to a personality that thrived on discipline and routine. I crave order and regularity. For a Test Pilot, or any pilot for that matter, check lists and routines are vital. They must do the same tasks every day in the same way, checking the same systems, the same components, aware of the function of each and how they interact and react to one another, so there is an understanding of the whole, so that it all functions properly, each time, every time. 

And so the descriptor shifted for me. I came to understand that doing things excellently, with great intention and understanding is of great benefit. It keeps accidents from happening. It sets a pace and standard for all those you work with, and it determines the outcome before you begin, simply because you are prepared, ready and aware. 

As Christians, we have a routine that we must engage in, be conscious of, and be intentional about pursuing. It is vital for life, essential for practice, and will act as a guard against harm. This is the practice of putting on our spiritual armor. I am thankful for these reminders that routines are good. As someone who leans more toward regularity than spontaneity, I am glad to see that flying by the seat of my pants, which is glorified to an extent in our culture, is not the best option. Where the “free spirit” is often celebrated, it is the processes of the regular that keep lights on, systems running, and society as a whole functioning. Those monotonous tasks that grease the gears keep us moving forward, because after all…someone has to do these things. 

But in our Christian walk, there is no option to pursue God with intentionality or not. There isn’t a selection of pathways to follow, as there is only one model that we walk according to, and that is Christ. It’s not that we can say, “Well, I’m more of a John the Younger.” or “I’m actually a Matthew.” or even “I just identify with Peter.” because all of them were intent on becoming like their Rabbi and Master, Jesus. And in order for us to pursue that pathway in Him what ought we to do daily to assure that we are, indeed, on the pathway to His peace?

We take up:

Truth

Righteousness

Readiness with the Gospel

Faith 

The Word of God

Prayer & Supplication/Intercession

So we, like Paul, may go boldly into the battle that each day holds. And in this passage Paul, the Spirit speaking through him, is adamant that we do this in all situations. It’s not a Sunday thing, or a just at home practice. But in all things, in all places, and at all times, we ought to be on guard against all attacks of the enemy, and prepared in all circumstances to share the fullness and mystery of the Gospel to all people. And when you have taken the time to intentionally prepare for all of these circumstances, you will be ready to do all the work God has called you to do, and to see the work of Christ done in your life. 

The armor of God isn’t just for Pastors, Minsters and Leaders in the church, but is meant for every Christian to take up every day so the might be safe, secure, and know the peace of Christ. This world is only going to continue getting worse until one day Jesus Christ makes all things new. And so, until that day, we must be ready, on purpose, and for the purpose of the Gospel being worked out in us. This is both for our own good and growth, but also for the betterment and encouragement of the kingdom, our family in faith.

Prayer & Examine

In what ways would your walk with Jesus benefit from a greater sense of discipline, regularity and routine?

What practices have you promised yourself would be a part of your life in Him? What has kept you from practicing them?

Are there any people you know within the church, who seem strong and capable “under fire?” Ask them about their daily practices with the LORD. 

Find an accountability partner who can encourage you to stay on track, and to share with as you grow in faith. 

Father, thank You for providing protection for your children here on earth. Thank You for knowing our needs before we ever had them, and for providing for us through Your Spirit, Your Word, and most of all through the cross of Christ. Please help me to see my weak areas, and give me strength to take care of myself the way You would have me to do. Please give me wisdom for the day, to spot the enemy’s tactics and attacks, and to better prepare myself through the putting on of the armor You’ve provided. In these things, may I walk in the footsteps of Jesus as You have called me to do. 

Amen.