Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places.

And this is why you need to be head-to-toe in the full armor of God: so you can resist during these evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground. Yes, stand, truth banded around your waist, righteousness as your chest plate, and feet protected in preparation to proclaim the good news of peace. Don’t forget to raise the shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked one. Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray always. Pray in the Spirit. Pray about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God’s people. Keep on praying feverishly, and be on the lookout until evil has been stayed. Ephesians 6:10-18 The Voice

Whether riding a bike, renovating a home, or something in between, we all know the importance of protective gear to one’s health and well-being. The same is true of our spiritual life. If we’re to ward off the temptations of the enemy and live a holy and righteous life, we need the right protection.

Here, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul provides the Rx for preventing and protecting oneself from enemy attacks. The full armor of God (Note 1). Paul doesn’t mean some rusty, junky metal outfit that wouldn’t stop a dull arrow. No, the full armor of God is strong, durable, impenetrable. The full armor of God is held together by the unfailing truth of God’s promises. It’s the righteousness of Christ over our hearts and the spirit of evangelism over our hands and feet. It’s the joy of salvation covering our minds, the shield of faith, and the sword of Scripture. This is the armor of God, and it’s yours to put on every day.

Prayer: God, thank You for Your heavenly armor that I can put on and use to stand firm, protected against the attacks of the Evil One. Amen.

Note 1: A Full Armor Crib Sheet:

1. Belt: truth; aligning our beliefs and actions to the truth of the Word of God.

2. Breastplate: righteousness; being good, honest, fair and humble.

3. Shoes: the peace that comes from the Good News of the Gospel.

4. Shield: faith; the certain assurance that God will keep His promises.

5. Helmet: salvation; believing that Jesus died for our sins and rose again.

6. Sword: the Word of God, spoken to others with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

And this:
7. Pray at all times. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with Him, reminding Him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.