Ephesians 6:14-18

New American Standard Version

14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

Pastor’s Paraphrase

          In order to be able to take this stand, there are pieces of battle attire that are absolutely essential.  You must wear the truth of God around your being like a belt encircling your waist. You must protect your heart with the

breastplate of your right relationship with God. Your feet must move though the battle as you wear the shoes of the good news of peace with God which must go forth.

          Just as ancient soldiers would carry large shields that had been soaked in water in order to extinguish flaming arrows that the enemy would shoot at them, your shield must be your complete faith and trust in the power of God. This shield will douse the flames of the fiery arrows aimed by the evil one at your heart. In order to protect your head, and thus your very life, your helmet must be the salvation that is yours through Christ who has secured for you eternal life. Your mighty sword of the Holy Spirit will be the Word of God – His never changing truth which unleashes His great power.

          Just as the communication of the soldier to his commander is critical at all times for success in battle, I ask you to be constantly in prayer. Bring before our great Commander every kind of need and request at all times. Understanding the nature of our battle and our mission, always be alert and watchful. Let your prayers be ongoing for all of your fellow soldiers and brothers in Christ.

 “How does this help me become more like Him?”

          Living in a battle zone requires the soldier to constantly be on high alert.  In order to know how to proceed and how to coordinate movement with the other soldiers in his company, each combatant must have constant and clear communication with his or her commander.  To fight effectively, the soldier must be properly trained, appropriately equipped, and completely coordinated with command.  Because soldiers have a common mission and because they depend on each other not only for success in their mission but for their very lives, there is a fierce loyalty and devotion to those with whom they go into battle.

          I fear that in the church of the living God, we look at other believers as fellow customers rather than our comrades-in-arms.  It is too easy to fall into thinking of ourselves as religious consumers rather than soldiers in the battle of the ages – for the eternal souls of men and women and boys and girls.  Consumers change brands if the product no longer meets their desires or expectations.  Good soldiers would never think of abandoning their platoon because they might enjoy the surroundings of another outfit more.     Soldiers understand that they are in a battle to fulfill their mission and ultimately, win the war.  Dedication and sacrifice and loyalty to their fellow soldiers is not “above and beyond the call of duty”, it IS their duty.  Soldiers don’t have time or energy for petty squabbles or shallow complaints – they are focused on the mission and nothing will deter them from marching toward victory.

          This great old hymn challenges us to be soldiers in the spiritual battle for Christ.  “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war.  With the cross of Jesus going on before.  We are not divided, all one body we.  One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.  Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war.  With the cross of Jesus, going on before.”

“How should I pray for Him to change my life?”

Pray that the Lord would keep you focused on the mission to which you are called.  Ask Him to give you a fierce sense of loyalty and a great capacity for patience and forgiveness toward your fellow soldiers.  Tell Him how humbled and honored you are to be called to do battle for Him.

END