Dressed for Success
Before settling into bed, part of my evening ritual is to set out my clothes for the next workday. I select my dress shirt and pants, a matching tie, an appropriate belt, and the right shoes. Once I choose the right outfit, I take time to properly iron my shirt and pants and occasionally polish my dress shoes.
I would like to consider myself fashion literate. At least I can identify what does not look good, and that is half the battle. The right outfit, however superficial as it may seem, can boost one’s confidence and have you feeling like you can take on the world. However, the true measure of fashionworthiness in my home is my wife. Any morning my wife compliments how I look in a particular outfit - watch out because I'm ready for anything the day can send my way.
As Christians, we must also be prepared to dress for success as we face the many challenges we will face in this world. In Ephesians 6:10-20 the Apostle Paul presents us with a spiritual wardrobe, “The Whole Armor of God,” conjuring up the image of a Roman soldier adorned from head to toe with Roman weaponry to help us stand up against the supernatural powers that are at work in the world.
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The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 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.
What lessons can we draw from the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians?
Be Strong. The Apostle Paul calls for us to be strong. However, we are warned that we cannot stand on our own. The strength we require must come from the Lord. (verse 10)
We are fighting a supernatural battle, and our enemy is constantly scheming our demise. Though we might be reluctant to believe it, the Bible clearly tells us that there is a physical world and a spiritual world. Many of the struggles we battle and the opposition we face have their origin in the supernatural. (verses 12)
Put on the Whole Armor of God and Stand Firm. Who would enter a battle of any magnitude with partial armor? To do so would invite disaster. Yet, many of us do exactly that. Verse 13 states, “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.” As believers, we have the spiritual resources available to us. In Him we have truth and righteousness, He is faithful, and in Him, we can place our trust. He purchased our salvation at the cross, and finally, we have the power of the Word of God. (Note how Jesus disarmed the Devil with scripture while being tempted in the desert, see Matthew 4:1-11) The Apostle Paul calls for us to be fully prepared, and only then are we ready to stand firm against our own fears and against the enemy.
Stay rooted in Prayer. Paul reminds us to pray. Not just in the morning, before a meal, or when we need God to show up for us before a big meeting. No, he tells us to “pray at all times in the spirit with all prayer and supplication.” (verse 18) Prayer is how we stay connected to the Lord, our God, and our source of strength.
Prayer
Lord, we are so thankful that you provide for our every need, every hour of every day. As we prepare for the week ahead, we have the confidence to stand firm because you have equipped us with the resources to withstand the enemy. Thank you, Lord, because we know that you defeated evil on the cross, and because of that, we are victorious in you. We give you all the glory and all the praise.
In Christ,
Brad
