Thoughts for the Day

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 for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians with this glorious picture of a Roman soldier showing us how we must protect ourselves against the wiles of this world. Of recent years many have sought to downplay this kind of picture of the Christian, but for the person who truly wishes to live the Christian life each day, it is a spiritual battle - against temptation and against the powers of darkness. Paul knew that the enemy was always working, often subtly to undermine God's people and he writes this passage to show how God can protect us:

1. Belt of Truth: Evil often distorts the truth with lies and we should pray for God to give us the wisdom to know what is the truth.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness: Evil can undermine our belief in ourself and our place as a child of God, but when we pray God will strengthen us and reaffirm our place in His plans.
3. Shoes for our feet: A soldier needs good footwear to be ready to move, and Christians need to ask God's help to be ready to do His work.
4. Shield of faith: Our personal weaknesses can leave us open to temptations and wrong actions. We need to admit these to God, and ask Him to protect us through these trials.
5. Helmet of salvation: The struggle with evil often begins in our thoughts, and anxiety and fears can be used against us. We need to pray that our eyes stay focussed on God.
6. Sword of the Spirit: This is the Word of God as found in our scriptures. When we are in doubt turn to the Bible and prayer.

Ultimately our protection as Christians is to pray - for ourselves, and particularly for others.

Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank You for Your servant Saint Paul
and for his imaginative teaching.
May we learn to observe the signs
of spiritual warfare
and immediately turn to You for help,
May we also keep ourselves strong
through prayer and through
study of your holy scriptures.
Amen.