Put it on... in closing...

"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 6:13

We have covered the main reasons for putting on the armor, as well as who it is that assails us.  Today, I wish to briefly explain the biggest point to why we should so readily and completely arm ourselves against the enemy.  And I want to make clear how often we should wear it.

Be clear on one thing first, though... it AGAIN says to put on "the full armor of God," with no exceptions or exclusions or reasons for not picking a certain piece.  All of it, without question, because you never know where the attack will come to or with how much force.

Honestly, it should never come off.  I'll say that again: it should NEVER come off.  Never.  Ever.  The reason for the heavy emphasis is that the Word says "when the day of evil comes," but it is not clear as to a specific time.  Many people believe we are in the end times now... but people have been saying that for a little over 2,000 years now, and it hasn't yet come.  The moral of that story from those faithful Christians who warn us and guide us to better and straighter paths is that vigilance is of the utmost importance in our walk.  We must be ready, because it could come today or tomorrow, or it could wait another 1,000 years.  We simply do not know, but I wouldn't want to be the guy racing to find the suit of armor that had so long been forsaken when the day of evil pops up on us.

And the Word also tells us that we should make certain that we are able "to stand" after it is all said and done.  The blessing we have in the strength of Christ allows us that freedom and privilege to remain on our feet after all that comes against us, no matter how much or for how long.  But the only way we remain standing and watch the enemy fall is in the armor.  If we fail to adorn the items we will discuss in the coming days and weeks, we will fall under the pressure of it all... be CERTAIN of that.  But in the armor, we will stand, and we will watch our enemy kneel before our Lord and Savior as the battle is won (which we already know to be the outcome).

And that leads me to the greatest point of the opening of this study: we know what happens, and we know the exact play-by-play of Who wins and who loses.  We know that things will get worse than we can imagine before they get even the slightest bit better, and we know that the armor provided for us is more powerful than anything the enemy can throw against it or us.  Therefore, why would anyone who is a Christian ever hesitate for even an instant to put it on?  Pick it up and put it on and never, ever take it off.  And then, after that horrid day passes, you will be among those who are able to stand and see the Victory that we so longingly await!

Take time today to reflect over the armor and the reasons for wearing it.  Realize that as a husband and father, this armor allows you to better protect your family.  As a wife and mother, this armor allows you to better protect yourself and your prayers for your husband's strength and fortitude.  As a single man or woman, the armor allows you to better watch for those things that would detract from your witness in the world, and therefore you will be a more powerful example for those who follow you... just as the husband and wife will, also. 

Pray for yourselves and each other and all Christians today.  Pray that the armor we wear is present, just as it was when the Israelites rebuilt the walls in the days of Nehemiah.  Pray that it will always be present, and that complacency will be no kinsman of ours, regardless of any circumstance.  Do all these things with an open heart today, and honor the Lord in doing so!

God bless you all!!!