9.7.23 - Ephesians 6:13
How do you armor yourself to approach a day, a relationship, a person? How does that connect or disconnect you from the people around you?
For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.
In this iconic "Armor of God" passage, we're told to don items that are meant to protect and empower us against those incorporeal opponents (rulers, authorities, powers). The list includes items like truth, peace, and faith.
In a passage where the opponent is clearly laid out, the tools listed to overcome that opponent are explicitly not attached to strength or physicality -- they're attached to values, attitudes, and character.
It brings to mind Jesus' time on earth: His early followers expected Jesus to overthrow Caesar. They expected violence.
But Jesus had no interest in approaching power in that way. He, too, donned peace, faith, righteousness, in lieu of physical power. Jesus had his own giant to slay, and he pulled out all of his tools.
How do you armor yourself to approach a day, a relationship, a person? How does that connect or disconnect you from the people around you?
--Katelin Champion