Tools Of The Trade...

After reading a very small devotion based on Ephesians 6:10-17, I got to thinking.  An athlete usually has the correct tools to succeed at the sport he or she plays.  For example, a baseball player has just the right type of bat, helmet, glove, cleats, etc.  A hockey player has just the right size and type of skates and equipment as well as just the right type of stick for their preference.  A golfer has just the right number of clubs in the bag, just the right type of golf shoes, spikes, bag, grips, etc.  A factory worker usually has the right tools to succeed in fabricating or making the part or product on the assembly line.  They have the right hand tools, the right machinery and the right raw materials.

Do we as Christians have just the right type of tools that we need to be successful in our daily Christian walk?  I believe we do.  Let's take a look at Ephesians 6:10-17.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."  (NASB)

This portion of scripture shows us that God has given us everything we need to have protection as well as the correct weapons in our arsenal as we walk through this life as a believer in Christ.  Just as an athlete needs to pick up the baseball bat or golf clubs in order to use them, we need to pick up the armor that God has given us.  Just as the worker needs to pick up the tools to craft a product, so must we in order to be protected against the evil and temptations of this world.  The athlete and worker cannot be successful just by simply owning the tools and equipment, they must use them, they must put on the skates, cleats, helmets and gloves.  They must choose to do something with the tools and machinery in order to be successful in their craft.

We must put on and pick up the armor that God has made available to us in our lives.  For us, when we put on the full armor that God gives us, we are made strong in the Lord and in the strength of His mighty power (verse 10.)  By putting on the full armor of God, we are successfully able to ward off temptations and schemes of the devil (verse 11.)

So what are the tools and equipment that God has given us?  First we can hold everything together with truth and by wearing the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14)  Truth is the gospel and by putting on and picking up God's truth, and living by it, we are equipping our lives with good moral and spiritual character.  This verse is referring to integrity in our lives.  Living a lifestyle of worship and righteousness is Godly integrity and gives us a high moral character.  By living a righteous life, we are protecting our hearts from the evils of Satan.  The righteous living is the breastplate that protects our hearts.

Second, we must "shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace." (verse 15)  This means that we must take steps to be prepared and be ready to share the Gospel of salvation with others.  This is an active step we must take in order to be ready for God when He wants to use us for His purposes.  By covering our feet with the Gospel, we are giving our lives support and stability which comes from God.

Third, we have the shield of faith. (verse 16) We need a shield to defend ourselves when others hurl insults, lies and other evil at us.  Whether it is flaming arrows of the evil one or things from other people, the shield of faith, that God gives us, allows us to be protected.  The shield is trusting in God, faithful living and is faith that God will answer prayers according to His will and His timing.

Fourth, we must put on the helmet of salvation. (verse 17)  As we know, a helmet protects our head.  Salvation protects us from eternal separation from God.  The helmet of salvation protects us from Satan's desire to attack our mind.

Finally we have the Sword of the Spirit available to us. (verse 17) The Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the armor of God.  As we know from Hebrews 4:12, "the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

The Sword of the Spirit, The Word of God is sharp enough to pierce all the way to our hearts and convict and instruct us on the deepest level.  It is also sharp enough and piercing enough to use on others in our discussions and relationships when we reach out to those who need Jesus.  Relying on the Word of God, The Bible, His Word, is the only offensive weapon we need and is plenty powerful to accomplish God's purposes.

So as we reflect on the tools of the trade needed for the christian, we see that Ephesians 6:10-17 spells out all what God has given us.  Our full set of tools is available through God when we have a relationship with Him.  Let's be masters of our trade, most valuable players on our fields and employee of the month in our daily walks with Jesus.  Putting on the full armor of God gives us the tools of the trade to live righteously and worshipfully in Him.

God bless until next time - tg