Another Look at Armor

 Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Let's take another look at what is called the "whole armor of God" as written by Paul to the Ephesians:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Here Paul gives us the reason we need defensive armor - and it is not one single individual we call Satan, but it is a list of those who are actively working to prove God is incapable of delivering on His promises made to this world. There are many listed here, some we can see working in this world and some that are unseen, spiritual. Some we see them working, others we can only see their results as they work within people. What we are to do with our defensive armor is to withstand evil, to remain stedfast with our Lord.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, 

To stand stedfastly against the wiles of Satan, we need to know the truth. To search out any lies and discard them. For me, the first comparison for truth is the Bible. That is an important word and has a deepth of meaning. KJV uses "truth" shows 237 times, in 224 verses. One of my favorites is Jesus' answer to Pilate in John 18:37 and Pilate's discard in verse 38. Also, Paul's description of those who turn God's truth into lies, Romans 1.25. Need help with truth? Read John 16:13. Therefore, wrap your body with truth.

and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 41:26 and again in Romans 3:10 that not  one of us is truly righteous in God's eyes. We have sinned. There is no doubt that every single individual has some sin in our loves. You know yours - and probably others know yours, too. So - how do we become righteous? I like the explanation in Romans 4:3-5. The breastplate that protects our heart, our vital organs, is faith in God, who will acceept us as righteous (morally right or justifiable; virtuous.)

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

There are verses in the Old and New Testament that speak of beautiful feet - Isaiah 52:7 and it's quote in Romans 10:15. The gospels speak of feet often, especially sending His disciples in Luke 9:1-10 and  Mark 6:7-13, and sending the 70, two by two in Luke 10:1-24. Every one of these verses speak of people going out specifically to share God's gospel with others. Missionaries. Shod feet is very appropriate!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, 

I'm putting these two items together. They are both protective, and the second does not work without the first. A basic truth is laid out in John 3:16-18. Salvation requires belief in God and Jesus as His son. Without that belief, there is no salvation. Paul says the same in Ephesians 2:8. 

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

That's our only weapon - and it's only words, selected for use through God's inspiration. Every scripture reference/link that got you this far is one I've read, marked, and studied. It was through God's word I discovered I could be righteous through belief in Him and His son, Jesus. I was told this by a large number of people who spoke God's gospel. I do believe they not only have beautiful feet, but beautiful souls.

Because they shared the gospel with me, I discovered what faith could do, and accepted the salvation God offered. Then, lived as many humans have done since Creation - with sin. I've made mistakes along the way and learned how to accept God's forgiveness. That is done through prayer. Paul knew prayer is powerful and included a prayer request - for believers, and for himself.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:10-19 KJV)

Pray with me for all saints, those who have followed directions, sought, and found God. Pray, too, for those who still do what Paul was sent to do - share God's good news of the Christ's salvation for all who believe. Share the faith.