The Armor of God

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

   Paul’s advice to the church at Ephesus is no less valid today than when he wrote it shortly after the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus.  If we are to thwart the temptations and urgings of Satan and his demonic army we must prepare ourselves.

   The full armor of God of which Paul speaks is to seek Him in everything we do.  Look to His word, read what is written there.  Study it and make it a part of everyday life.  Read of the lives of the early Christians and the Saints.  Their lives can give us guidance in living our own life for God.

   The Church and the Sacraments are weapons of war against the evil one.  Baptism washes away the sins; frequent confession helps to recall and ask forgiveness for those sins we continue to commit.  The Eucharist is the food of life; receive it often.

   Marriage can be a well-defended bulwark against Satan.  By sharing our life in Christ with our spouse we can deepen our own faith and that of our loved one.  By keeping God in our marriage we strengthen each other and the commitments we made in our marriage vows.

  Taking the time to pray strengthens us in our ability to recognize and reject the allures of the evil one.  Quiet time spent with our Lord replenishes our faith and determination to live a life committed to our Lord.  Frequent prayer throughout the day revitalizes our efforts.  Just a quick “thank you Lord” when something good happens is important.  “Help me Lord” will go a long way to helping resolve troublesome times in our lives.  There is no greater source of help than Jesus.

   There are so many resources available to us in our efforts to defeat Satan but we must take advantage of them.  God knows we can’t beat the devil alone.  He is waiting to give us all we need to remain faithful and true to Him; we just need to ask.

  

   "For we are not contending with against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  (Eph 6: 12)