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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11
Reflect
Sergeant Carter stood in front of what was probably the weakest looking private he had ever seen in the Christian Army. Private Pyle slouched pitifully in his wrinkled uniform and unshined boots, and instead of standing at attention, he was actually trying to start a conversation with the other privates around him.
The worst part was that this private was almost completely out of uniform. Instead of a regulation helmet, he was wearing a soup pot on his head. His breastplate, which was supposed to be made of sturdy steel, was made out of leftover aluminum foil. For a sword, he was carrying a butter knife. His shield was a flimsy umbrella – certainly not strong enough to stop flaming darts. He did have a belt, but it was several sizes too large so that it barely kept his pants up. And his dingy boots clearly had holes in them and wouldn’t last for even one march.
As Pyle continued to try and banter with the other privates, Sergeant Carter bore down on him. This day on the drill field was not going to be pretty…
This might seem a bit humorous, but in all honesty, Christians go out into the world every day equipped no better for the Christian battle than Private Pyle. In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul encourages us to put on the armor of God to equip and protect us. Each piece has a purpose, and when we’re armed in God’s power, we can stand against whatever our enemy has in store for us. But when we let that armor fall into disrepair, or when we neglect to put it on, we’re completely exposed and open to the enemy’s attacks.
Today, I encourage you to read and re-read Ephesians 6 and take stock of your armor. As Christians, we’re constantly engaged in a heavy battle. Make sure you start each day fully prepared with God’s strength and power.
(For another take on this, listen to this comedy bit by comedians Mitch and Allen, who helped inspire this reflection.)
Reflection copyright © 2023 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
