Playing basketball was my passion in high school.
Our team won the state championship my junior year. We practiced for hours every day and played games twice a week. One of my favorite parts was suiting up for games. Putting on the uniform elevated my anticipation and readiness for competition.
Once, for an away game, I grabbed my suit and shoes and ran for the bus. After we arrived and dressed for the game, I realized I had grabbed two left shoes from my locker. Although I had all the other needed items, I could not play with two left shoes. I was unprepared.
Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God, not just certain parts. We need each element to prepare for battle: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet covered with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is God’s Word. If one element is missing, then the whole armor is weak, and we become vulnerable. Each part is necessary for the relentless attacks of the enemy.
Our lives must have integrity (belt of truth). Our character and conduct (breastplate of righteousness) reveal our commitment to God. We share the good news without fear (the gospel of peace). We trust God (shield of faith) for all things. We delight in God’s gracious gift (helmet of salvation) and hold tightly to God’s Word (sword of the Spirit).
When I explained my two left shoes to my teammates, I received a good amount of teasing. Fortunately, a teammate loaned me a pair of shoes. I was then prepared for the game.
What piece of spiritual armor are you missing? We need to prepare before the battle begins. We cannot wait until it starts. By then it’s too late. So, let’s suit up.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Jenna McIntyre is a small-town girl who follows a big God in a crazy world. Jenna enjoys telling stories, especially those where God has worked. After thirty years on the mission field with her husband and two children, Jenna now shares those stories with others. After graduating college, Jenna served two years with a mission organization where she met her husband. She completed a seminary degree, then she and her husband returned to overseas ministry shortly before their second anniversary. They ministered sixteen years in South Asia and six years in Southeast Asia. They now live and serve in Europe.