Thoughts for the Day

Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil....Stand therefore and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breast-plate 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..

Thoughts

Over recent years it has become the fashion not to use the imagery of war when we speak of Christians things, but for me St Paul's image of the soldier speaks volumes not least because of my own connection to the Army and the Air Force.

Living the Christian life is no easy thing, it is a constant spiritual battle. St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians uses the picture of a Roman soldier for his image of what we need to protect ourselves. The belt of truth, for instance - a soldier's belt held all his weapons, his rations, equipment, and also protected his legs. For the Christian truth is knowing that God is Truth and the half-truths of the world (or the "wiles of the evil one") are not good enough. The shield of faith - a soldier's shield would be dipped in water before battle so that any fiery arrows would be extinguished. Our faith in God also protects us, but sometimes it needs a top up, perhaps by asking God's help.

Whatever your spiritual battles at this time - the desire to blame God (or everyone) for the current Corona virus situation; the need to snap at people or lose your temper; envy of those who have a job at present; or because your family are getting completely on your nerves - St Paul's armour is definitely needed!

Lord God,
You know our weaknesses,
give us strength to overcome them
and protect us from the 'wiles of the evil one',
with the belt of truth and the shield of faith.
Amen.