People today are obsessed with their appearance and with what they wear. The natural man is drawn to designer clothing such as Prada, Coach, Armani and others. Even born again believers have this obsession and look forward to the Nordstrom half yearly sale.  Don’t misunderstand me, I am not suggesting that appearance is not important, what I am suggesting is that we as Christians should be more concerned with the manner in which our spirit man is dressed; in the natural you would not leave home in your underwear, so why do Christians leave home in their spiritual underwear?

The bible tells us that our enemy the devil is roaming about seeking who he may destroy, and Christians are going about without the full armor of God. Paul addressed this very issue in his letter to the church at Ephesus. Paul had observed the Roman soldiers, the fiercest fighters of the time and the way they dressed. He observed that the soldier had a large shield with which he could deflect enemy arrows, he had a breastplate for protection of his vital organs, and around his waist was a belt that not only kept the armor in place, but also provided a place to carry his sword and a place to rest his shield. He had a helmet to protect his head and on his feet were sturdy shoes often with studded soles to provide stability during battle.

With this in mind Paul told the believers at Ephesus and believers today to put on the whole armor of God that we may stand against the schemes of the devil. (Eph. 6:11). In verse 13 of the same chapter he goes on to say, we are to put on the full armor of God so we will be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all stand.

Every day Christians dress themselves in preparation for roles they play in life, some dress for the role of a business person, others dress for the role of doctor or nurse, others dress for the role of firefighter or police officer and still others dress for the role of pastor. Each role has its own specific attire.  However, for the only role that really matters; a soldier in the army of God, the Christian is underdressed, leaving them spiritually naked and vulnerable.

Paul tells us to wrap the belt of truth around our waist; this truth is the knowledge of who we are in Jesus and what He did for us. We then put on the breastplate of righteousness.  Jesus died that we might be made righteous and in right standing with our heavenly Father. We shod our feet with the gospel of peace, for we are prepared to be that living epistle that goes to a world in need. We put on the helmet of salvation for we have renewed our minds and have taken on a new character. And finally, we take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. With this description the importance of being fully dressed spiritually becomes crystal clear. Our heavenly Father has provided us with everything we need in order to resist and defeat the enemy. So let us equip ourselves and put on the full armor, remembering that each piece has a role and is important and lastly pray daily so that we don’t become prey.

Are you fully dressed?

God Bless,

Pastor's John & Beverly Heary