The Whole Armor of God

If you’re not wearing the full armor of God continually, you’re blind, naked, and fully exposed to the enemy. Are you going into battle dressed like that?

April’s Awakening, Day 24

In heaven we shall appear, not in armor, but in robes of glory. But here these are to be worn night and day; we must walk, work, and sleep in them, or else we are not true soldiers of Christ.

 —William Gurnall 

We must engage in spiritual warfare. We must put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:12). We must put to death the misdeeds of the body.

 —John Owen 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10–13 NIV 

            A medieval knight wouldn’t dare go into battle without his full armor on, nor would modern-day military personnel behind enemy lines undertaking guerilla warfare do so without being fully equipped, nor would any professional athlete play the game without full uniform and gear on and in order—yet that is precisely what we as Christian soldiers do every day as we battle the enemy unprepared and unprotected. Your life as a professional believer requires that you be prepared and wear your spiritual armor every day—and sleep with it always on. Most of us go through life spiritually naked and fully exposed to the forces of darkness—ill-prepared and nary a clue—and it’s not a pretty sight. It’s time to suit up. It’s time to do serious battle with the enemy and win—for we wrestle not with the flesh but against Satan, the fallen angels, and the dark forces of evil which permeate this world. Evil never sleeps—and neither can our spiritual defenses—tomorrow we suit up and stay suited up. It’s time to take back the high ground.