Paul doesn't say admire the armour of God. He says put it on. A breakdown of each piece of Ephesians 6 — and why knowing it exists isn't the same as having it in place when the arrows come.
The opening felt deeply familiar to me—the strange questions that take over when we are supposedly praying. I was especially struck by how you allowed the distraction to become the doorway into the reflection. I tend to write from that same unsettled space, though I often stay inside the question longer before I reach an answer. This gave me a lot to think about.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and reflection. I suspect it’s something that happens to many of us! Glad this gave you food for thought.
Many years ago, when preparing a children’s session on the armour of God, I found a range of colouring pages depicting aggressive, angry-faced soldiers armoured up for attack!
It seemed incongruous, a complete contrast to the message of Christ’s example. Needless to say these colouring pages were not used!
Peace, truth, faith, righteousness, spirit and salvation, when modelled on Christ, are gentle pursuits, solemn reminders that the armour is a personal, inner protection of our spiritual selves.
Battling with spiritual temptations requires stepping into the spiritual arena with wisdom, discernment and God’s love🌱
I think the helmet of salvation is the one I don't set tightly upon my head as there are days the doubts about what God is calling me to, in that moment, stall me out.
The opening felt deeply familiar to me—the strange questions that take over when we are supposedly praying. I was especially struck by how you allowed the distraction to become the doorway into the reflection. I tend to write from that same unsettled space, though I often stay inside the question longer before I reach an answer. This gave me a lot to think about.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and reflection. I suspect it’s something that happens to many of us! Glad this gave you food for thought.
Great article, Em.
Many years ago, when preparing a children’s session on the armour of God, I found a range of colouring pages depicting aggressive, angry-faced soldiers armoured up for attack!
It seemed incongruous, a complete contrast to the message of Christ’s example. Needless to say these colouring pages were not used!
Peace, truth, faith, righteousness, spirit and salvation, when modelled on Christ, are gentle pursuits, solemn reminders that the armour is a personal, inner protection of our spiritual selves.
Battling with spiritual temptations requires stepping into the spiritual arena with wisdom, discernment and God’s love🌱
With all the armor on, it's formidable. It's the gospel of peace I forget about. Life is shifting a lot lately.
Praying that His peace is what you choose to walk in moving forward.
I think the helmet of salvation is the one I don't set tightly upon my head as there are days the doubts about what God is calling me to, in that moment, stall me out.
Praying Holy Spirit helps you keep it firmly in place so that the truth can reign in your mind.
Great comparison thank you. And great truths indeed.
Amen! It would have been enough for God to save us, but He also brings us into His family business of saving the world.