Day #6

Internet connection went haywire last night, couldn't get one until a few hours ago, so... yes it's late again.

Let's hope nothing will prevent today's post from being on time.

Right on.

Time for the final chapter in Ephesians today, chapter 6. And it starts with

"Children, Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Eph 6:1

I guess this verse does not need introduction; we've all come across this some time in our lives, the instruction to honour and obey our parents. Direct and straight to the point, no beating around the bush. Let us not forget that we must obey "in the Lord", and that God is our heavenly Father, thus we need also obey him and his Word.

But

"And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph 6:4

Guess that works both ways. haha.

And the most important part of the chapter (and dare I say, the whole book) -

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Eph 6:11

Perhaps this is God answering part of my questions from yesterday. Regardless of what our situation is, however dire it seems, learning to put on the complete armor of God seems like a very good idea.

a) Belt of Truth
The belt is worn on the waist, which can be seen as the central point on our body, where our torso connects with our legs. It is the center of gravity and balance for us as well. Thus, our entire lives, the very center of who we are and what we stand for, must be based on the Truth, and nothing else. The truth will indeed set us free.

b) Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate covers the most vital organ in our body, our heart - the core of life. In the same way, the "core" of what we think, say or do, must always be governed by righteousness. And that discernment (wrong from right) comes only from the Holy Spirit.

c) Sandals (?) of Peace
Sandals are what we wear on our feet (okay maybe slippers or shoes in our age). And our feet are the ones which determine in which direction we are headed, how fast we are moving, and that which gives us a sense of movement and purpose. And I guess it is in those areas (the purpose of our life, how fast / slow it is going) that we require the peace of God to be with us, that we may keep a cool and calm head about things and not lose sight of our goals.

d) Shield of faith
Now this might seem contradictory to the fact that faith is an ACTIVE component of our belief, but considering the fact that HAVING a shield is not the same as actually SHIELDING yourself - there must be an active component involved as well. If you are given a shield and do not know how to use it, and do not bother to learn how to, what good will it be in the heat of battle? Might even slow you down, I reckon. Faith is shown through works, and the function of the shield is only clear when it actually BLOCKS something.

e) Helmet of Salvation
What do helmets protect? Our heads, which house our brains, the center of intellectual capabilities, and of sentient thought. I firmly believe that salvation is not a one-time event (once saved, always saved is definitely NOT true), but rather it is a real-time mindset, a state of mind we have to be constantly aware of as we work our way through life, and work out our salvation through faith and by grace.

f) Sword - the Word of God
The most important - and therefore dangerous - weapon we have at our disposal, the Bible contains all of God's promises, and the experience of many before us, as inspired by the Holy Spirit. What better tool than the Word of God to turn to in times of crisis? Especially seeing as the devil fears the Word of the Lord.

And that wraps up the whole book of Ephesians rather nicely, I think. Going for a second round through the day after tomorrow, will be having a day of rest and recapping this entire week in the context of the question we've decided on - 'What does it mean to be heirs to the throne?' 

Prayer : Dear God, thank you for showing me that although we all fall short, it is what we choose to do after that that matters, that sometimes a little spark is all that takes to reignite the passion to long after You once again. Teach me to live each day with the protection of Your armor, o Lord - and that Your name may be glorified in all that I do. Amen.