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. – Ephesians 6:10-12
Have you ever heard of Garanimals? This is a line of children’s clothing that has a small, embroidered animal on the tops and bottoms of clothing that allow a child to pick out their own outfits by matching the same animal.
Because of my partial color-blindness and my seeming inability to learn anything about fashion, I’ve literally needed Garanimal-like help in picking out things to wear. People who love me have been my Garanimals system ever since I was a kid. Roommates, spouses, friends, and anyone with a keen eye help me figure out what goes together.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things, thanks to keen observation and binge-watching Queer Eye. However, the sheer number of times I’ve emerged from my bedroom to shaking heads and commands to “try again” tell me I’ve still got a lot to learn.
In verses 10-17 of the 6th chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul tells us to “put on the full armor of God” to stand against the devil’s schemes. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness, a shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
There’s been a quite a bit that has been said about the “full armor of God” and what each part means. Books have been written about the militaristic language of this passage. Essays have talked about how this is a non-attacking defensive metaphor that is not a warrant for warfare or oppression. Articles have been penned explaining that the message is a survival strategy for persons of faith in a hostile world.
From my color-blind un-stylish eyes, this armor of God passage describes the many gifts God has given us to be strong in this dark world. The gift of studying the scripture together in community, the gift of encouragement from our friends to do good works for others, the gift of hands and feet to serve, the gift of a keen mind to discern when things are beautiful and when things are a lie, the gift of God’s love and grace freely given, and the gift of faith restored during our worship together.
I’m grateful that God has given us these many gifts to have faith together, to serve together, to stand up against dark forces together. It just might be that my armor won’t be matching.
Let us pray,
Thank you for the gift of armor. In a time and place where this dark world wants to divide and harm, we are grateful for the gifts of community, discernment, service, and faith. Through our study of scripture, our times of service, and our worship in community, continue to clothe us with what we need to stand strong. Amen
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