Tag: Romans 12:2

The Full Armor of God

Today is Veteran’s Day in the U.S. The same day is known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other countries. Britain celebrated Remembrance Day this past Sunday. It is the commemoration of the end of World War I– on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. Nearly 70 million soldiers fought in this war. Millions of them died, and millions more were scarred, injured, and incapacitated. Veteran’s Day honors the sacrifices of those who have survived battles, sacrifices, and service to their nations over the years, especially in wartime.

Soldiers throughout the centuries have put their lives on the line to fight for city-states, nations, empires, as well as for honor, glory, and pay. Soldiers need to be vigilant, brave, and ready to suffer. But they also need armor for protection in the battles and dangerous missions they undertake.

As Christians, we face an enemy– we are soldiers fighting a spiritual war. And we have armor– not made of steel. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul spells out what we are to wear into battle:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV)

The Belt of Truth– The truth not only provides us with support and stability; it also gives us a place for our other weapons– the Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) is safely sheathed in the Truth, ready to slice through lies and twisted interpretations.

The Breastplate of Righteousness– We are to guard our heart from the darts and stabs of temptations, doubts, and pride. When we commit to righteous living– without compromise and complacency, we can stand up to the threats of false doctrine and “fake” discipleship.

The Gospel of Peace (and the readiness it brings) –We can be sure-footed in times of battle when we plant our hope in the Gospel and walk in peace, rather than in contention, with our brothers and sisters in Christ. And when we seek to spread peace and truth, instead of power and self-justification, we will not stumble in our witness to others.

The Shield of Faith–Doubts and questions are darts that will be hurled at us by the enemy. Why does God allow suffering? Is God really who He says He is? Are there other ways to God? What if? Why? Can I trust God? The shield of Faith must be taken up– doubts and questions are inevitable. But will we succumb to them, letting them pierce our armor and fester in our unprotected flesh? Or will we practice our Faith– testing the strength of God’s Promises to keep us whole and fighting fit?

The Helmet of Salvation–The Shield of Faith protects our heart. The Helmet of Salvation protects our mind. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV). God has promised to transform us by the renewing of our mind(s). The Holy Spirit guides our thoughts, allowing us to seek out and respond to God’s wisdom and His perfect will.

The Sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God) –Soldiers spend hours training with their offensive weapons– whether swords or guns, missile guidance systems, flight training, etc. Christians need to be well-“versed” in what the Bible actually teaches, instead of being blind-sided by half-truths, shaky theology, and more. And we need to be prepared to “wield” the sword of the Spirit in confrontation– not to kill others, but to cut through deception, hatred, lies, rebellion, and ignorance. We must be quick to “parry” and “thrust” with solid knowledge of the Bible, not falling back on “feel-good” theology or trendy teachings.

And don’t forget– PRAYER! We are to be alert and connected to the Father at all times through prayer, supplication (requesting help!), and perseverance. The best armor still requires discipline, and it requires that we follow the battle plan and stay in contact with our commanding officer.

Today, we honor those soldiers who have sacrificed and fought for our freedom. And we should also honor those who “fight the good fight” for Christ– not with worldly weapons, but with God’s own Armor!

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“Piece” of Mind

I gave that fellow a piece of my mind! I let him know how wrong he was, how backward, how ill-informed. And he just wouldn’t see reason.
He had the nerve to call me hateful, judgmental, and “toxic!” Doesn’t he understand? He is selfish, rebellious, arrogant, and “lost.” I was just trying to give him a warning. If he doesn’t repent, he will end up in Hell. I was good enough to spend my valuable time trying to set him straight, and all I got for it was abuse! Well, you know what they say, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” At least I tried.

I gave that woman a piece of my mind! I let her know how judgmental and backward and hateful she is. Who is she to tell me what to think? She called me a sinner and told me I was going to Hell– and then she wants me to thank her for it?! She was completely unreasonable. Why would I want to spend time with someone like that? People like her are what’s wrong with this world. They talk about love, but only if you act and think exactly like them– what kind of “love” is that? What a hypocrite!

It’s so easy to give others a “piece of” our minds– to make snap judgements or lash out with a “gut” reaction. And social media makes it that much easier! I see someone’s post or a viral meme and I react immediately. I “like” it or I laugh at it as ridiculous. I quickly type an angry “correction” or point out why the other person is “wrong.” (And they may genuinely BE wrong– sometimes their posts are out of date or contain verifiably false information.) But is my hasty reactionary post really necessary? Is it really my place to humiliate someone else in the name of (self) righteousness? Have I mis-read or misunderstood what I saw? Am I so much more righteous, that I can point my finger? What is the true purpose of my response– to provide constructive correction, or to signal my own virtue and superiority? How did Jesus give a “piece” of His mind to sinners in His own ministry?

This is especially problematic within the Christian community. There are some doctrinal issues that are of great importance, that should not be misused. But it is the Holy Spirit that brings correction. That doesn’t mean we must stand silent or give acceptance to heresy, but we should do it humbly, with love and thought. Anger is often the mate of arrogance and pride. We are quick to dish out correction, but slow to accept it! We need to exchange “piece” of mind with “Peace” of mind!


Christ’s Example of Humility
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Lights in the World
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:1-18 English Standard Version (ESV) (www.biblegateway.com) Emphasis added.

Through Christ’s example, and through the working of the Holy Spirit, we are to let Him transform our minds:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Lord Jesus, help me to give others the “Peace” of Your mind today, rather than a “piece” of mine! Help me to offer, not my opinion or my “superior” understanding of the Gospel, but rather your humility and devotion to speaking the Truth in Love for my neighbor.

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Puppet Prayers

I spent last week helping out at Vacation Bible School. But most of the kids didn’t see me “working.” I was behind a curtain, helping with the puppet show. My puppet was a little boy named “JJ.” He was a hand puppet. Hand puppets are pretty simple to operate– you stick your hand inside the puppet, and move its mouth as you talk. There are also “hands” you can operate with your fingers to make the puppet clap or wave, etc. During the course of the week, “JJ” also had one “costume change”– he wore a simple plastic bag poncho, but he put it on backwards. “JJ” was the comic relief of the puppetry team! But his purpose was to expand on the Biblical principles we were teaching throughout the week. “JJ” learned about sin and its effects– often by example– and about God’s forgiveness. And he helped the younger kids review their daily Bible verse.

I have worked with puppets off and on over the years, especially during my time as a youth services librarian. Puppets help tell stories in an entertaining and engaging way. But puppets are merely tools. The same stories can be told using flannel cut-outs, or videos, or illustrated comic books. In fact, everything that “JJ” did was scripted. If he nodded, it was because the script said to nod. If he sang, the song was in the script. And when the puppet show was done for the day, “JJ” rode around in a canvas bag, lifeless and unused.

We use puppets at VBS to teach about Christian principles– but pursuing a Christian life is NOT about being a puppet. Many people reject Christ, because they believe that God is asking them to become puppets. They learn about concepts like the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and it sounds to them as though God will “possess” them, and take away their free will and their ability to live life on “their” terms. But that is not what Jesus taught. Jesus was perfect in Righteousness– yet he clearly CHOSE to follow His Father’s instructions, and he did it using His own unique personality and style. Jesus did not parrot the words of God when He taught. He told stories– parables– that brought God’s laws and commands to life, and helped people understand them better. Jesus was no puppet. And He doesn’t ask us to be puppets, either. Instead, we are witnesses– telling our own stories, living our own lives–SHOWing others how Christ lives THROUGH us. God doesn’t want “tools” or mindless puppets. He wants a relationship with us that gives our unique experiences an eternal and sacred purpose.

Yes, in Christ, we become a “new creation.” (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) We see the world through a different lens; our minds are renewed (see Romans 12:2); we follow Christ’s example and walk in obedience to God. But we do so out of our desire to be closer to God– our desire to pursue the relationship that only God can offer us. The Holy Spirit indwells us; He doesn’t coerce us or take over our mind– rather, He helps us continue in our newness and progress toward greater Godliness!

It was fun to spend a week using “JJ” to help teach the daily lessons. But we had dozens of amazing volunteers who also made VBS memorable, fun, and, hopefully a life-changing week for the kids who came. There were the actors who did a daily skit; the singers who taught the kids vibrant songs and dance moves; the Bible teachers who explained deep issues with wonderful skill; the volunteers who taught science lessons and crafts that tied in with our daily themes; the food staff, who created treats that told a story; the sports team that provided games (and plenty of water on hot days!) and the group leaders, greeters, and security staff that ensured that the kids were welcomed, introduced to others, and kept safe. Each of us lived out the message of the Gospel– God’s love for each of His children!– in our unique ways.

One of the ways we served last week was in prayer. We prayed together as a team. We prayed in our small groups and areas, and we prayed with the kids. And each person’s prayer was unique. Some people get nervous about praying aloud in a group– others are eloquent speakers. But each person’s prayer shows their heart for God and others. In our puppet skit, JJ talked about wanting to pray with his “granny” after the skit. But the puppets never prayed. And I think that is appropriate. Prayer is not about a “script.” Prayer is not about someone else putting words in your mouth. Prayer doesn’t come from a hand or a finger moving us to speak. Prayer comes from the heart. And I hope the kids (and adults) last week were moved more by our prayers than by our puppets!

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