Ephesians 6:10-18
Do you notice the imagery that is used in this passage? There are battles to be fought and the image that is used is that of battle armour. When anyone speaks or writes, the imagery is usually something that the audience is familiar with. The people in the time of Christ could hardly escape the omnipresent Roman soldiers and army. It is a Centurion whose 'slave' Jesus healed and it was the Roman soldiers that were intimately involved in the torture and death of our Lord. Everyone was familiar with battle regalia.
Sadly, today we are still quite familiar with battle attire. It seems there is always a war to be fought, instigated or settled by use of force on every side. Who is right and who is wrong? Sometimes the means make it quite difficult to discern which the correct side is. Claiming God as your ally is not a lock on being the correct side either.
However, the battles that are fought on the spiritual front many times are played out on the real battle field. The crusades are one example, the latest Jihads would be a more contemporary example. Still, what stirs the soul to action are the evils in the heart and minds of those who fail to love, fail to see the diversity of God's creation (and appreciate it) and perhaps simply feel they have the power to have their own vision installed over the rest of humanity. A sad affair all around it would seem. This all plays out on a global stage.
On a more local level, we have politics here as usual. The polar positions of the leading parties and the vocal minorities of religious zealots (or bigots, your choice), play out the same fight against or for God's will. What shall we wear for these battles? I suggest good spiritual training, spiritual exercises, a broad based religious eduction and a genuine thankfulness for all we have. It seems we forget a great deal of what we have to be thankful for.
While we are familiar with what to wear into battle in the field of mechanized war, we often do so at the expense of our souls. To combat the terror of the soul, to 'win' the battle of evil closer to home, pray hard, give thanks, be compassionate and understanding. These are the weapons and dress of peace and love.
Do you notice the imagery that is used in this passage? There are battles to be fought and the image that is used is that of battle armour. When anyone speaks or writes, the imagery is usually something that the audience is familiar with. The people in the time of Christ could hardly escape the omnipresent Roman soldiers and army. It is a Centurion whose 'slave' Jesus healed and it was the Roman soldiers that were intimately involved in the torture and death of our Lord. Everyone was familiar with battle regalia.
Sadly, today we are still quite familiar with battle attire. It seems there is always a war to be fought, instigated or settled by use of force on every side. Who is right and who is wrong? Sometimes the means make it quite difficult to discern which the correct side is. Claiming God as your ally is not a lock on being the correct side either.
However, the battles that are fought on the spiritual front many times are played out on the real battle field. The crusades are one example, the latest Jihads would be a more contemporary example. Still, what stirs the soul to action are the evils in the heart and minds of those who fail to love, fail to see the diversity of God's creation (and appreciate it) and perhaps simply feel they have the power to have their own vision installed over the rest of humanity. A sad affair all around it would seem. This all plays out on a global stage.
On a more local level, we have politics here as usual. The polar positions of the leading parties and the vocal minorities of religious zealots (or bigots, your choice), play out the same fight against or for God's will. What shall we wear for these battles? I suggest good spiritual training, spiritual exercises, a broad based religious eduction and a genuine thankfulness for all we have. It seems we forget a great deal of what we have to be thankful for.
While we are familiar with what to wear into battle in the field of mechanized war, we often do so at the expense of our souls. To combat the terror of the soul, to 'win' the battle of evil closer to home, pray hard, give thanks, be compassionate and understanding. These are the weapons and dress of peace and love.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication
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