Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:10-12 HCSB
This exhortation comes after the instructions on various relationships we have in life: husbands and wives; sons and daughters: servants and employers. We cannot do relationships well without the strength of the Lord and insight into what our true enemy is.
God gives us armour, we are not left naked nor defenseless. In all that comes against us we need to discern what the true enemy is. The latest onslaught is the taking of the lives of family, self, neighbors, school colleagues, life is no longer sacred. Who, really, despises us so much? We have a truly evil enemy and he needs us to stand up to him with Godly weapons.
We are in a battle and need to focus correctly. Paul is right in his appraisal and exhortation. He goes on to tell us in the following verses what our weapons are. No knives, guns or clubs here:
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:14-18 HCSB
We need to meditate on these verses and take them to heart. Amen!
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