I once took a fencing class with my brother. It
was fun, until I had to fight him. I would begin in the “on guard” position, the stance a fencer takes to get ready to attack and
defend. Yet, every time my brother lunged at me with his sword, I would shrink back. Even though I was wearing protective gear, I could never muster enough bravery to face his attack. I knew he wouldn’t show me any mercy!
The Bible tells us that we are to be "on guard" against the Evil One, because he is out to destroy us
(1 Peter 5:8).
To be on guard is to watch defensively, like the Secret Service who guards
the President, they look for anyone or anything that might harm him. Likewise,
we are to be actively alert to danger, to be on the lookout for any threat.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are in a spiritual, unseen battle against evil forces. When we face our Adversary wearing our protective
armor, he will shrink back too, because Satan knows God will not show him any mercy either—he’s doomed already. It’s important to note that
the armor pieces mentioned in Ephesians
6:10-18 are defensive protection, except for one, the
Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The Scriptures are our “on guard” protection against the Evil
One; we must learn it and memorize it to be well-equipped for battle!
How important is it then, in these tumultuous times to wear God's armor, so we're prepared for Satan's attacks? Let us pray for our families, our churches, our country, and our world, that God's children would be found faithful when Christ returns or when we go to him. Amen?
Copyright 2020 Sarah Keith
This devotional is an excerpt from "The BE-Attitudes--How to Live Life Approved By God, Eight Studies for Adult Individuals or Groups."
Available in paperback or digital PDF.
Teach children how to put on the
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