Today, my mind is on a particular insight in Paul's exhortations to the Ephesians about spiritual warfare (or, really, about life). He said we wrestle not against people but powers, so he told us to take up the armor of God. I've identified and explained this armor elsewhere, so today, let’s consider the personal responsibility Paul expected each of us to take in putting on that armor. Throughout the passage, Paul said each one of us must:

• Be strong in the Lord (v.10)
• Put on the whole armor of God (v.11)
• Take up the whole armor of God (v.13)
• Stand therefore (v.14)
• Fasten the belt of truth (v.14)
• Put on the breastplate of righteousness (v.14)
• Put on the shoes of the gospel of peace (v.15)
• Take up the shield of faith (v.16)
• Take up the helmet of salvation (v.17)
• Take the sword of the Spirit (v.17)
• Pray at all times (v.18)
• Keep alert (v.18)

Paul wants us to take personal responsibility to enter the war—the days, weeks, months, and years of life—correctly. We can desire victory, progress, and the expansion of God's kingdom all day long, but we must make daily decisions to put on the armor so we can be strong in the Lord. The strength is there. The armor is there. But we must avail ourselves of them. This doesn't jibe with the current "let go and let God" philosophy many believers have adopted. Yes, Jesus can take the wheel, but he died on the cross so that we could be co-heirs together with him (Rom. 8:17). We are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Rom. 6:11). He has brought us out of the miry clay to set our feet on the rock (Ps. 40:2). And he says to us, "Be strong in me and my might. Put on all the armor daily to stand against the devil's schemes. Ready yourself in me each day. You are battling against powers, not people, but I can help you overcome. Stand in my strength. Make the call. Meet with me. Partake of me. And go get it!" What about you? Have you desired to be a person of integrity, impact, and light but not yet made decisions to enter into that daily process? Together, let's take up the mind of Christ, setting our minds on the things above, where our life is hidden with him (Col. 3:1-4).

Further Meditation

• What spiritual armor do you need to put on today to be strong in the Lord and stand firm against the enemy's schemes?
• How can putting on the full armor of God each day help you live with greater integrity, impact, and light?
• What practical actions can you take today to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, etc., to ready yourself spiritually?