Armor, Anyone?

In Ephesians 6: 11, Paul writes, “Put on the full armor of God…” There is more to his admonition, but I wish to focus on just the opening words. There is a lot going on in his opening sentence. Before exploring the various concepts in Paul’s words, it is worth recapping his life and road to salvation. A great opposer and persecutor of Christianity, Paul, formerly Saul, came to salvation at God’s behest. He didn’t attend a revival; a friend didn’t witness to him; nor did he seek God’s presence due to tragedy. God chose him. In the years that followed, Paul penned much of the New Testament including Ephesians.

In chapter six, Paul is giving instructions and guidance concerning the Christian life. The first point to note is that he instructs Christians to put on armor. This isn’t a recommendation; nor is it a suggestion. It’s a command. Paul is telling Christians what they are to do. Thus it is a requirement. Considering this, I began to explore that idea. While it may seem obvious on the surface, the command to don armor runs much deeper. When envisioning armor, I imagine a knight covered in metal and chain mail from head to toe. Heavy, cumbersome, and lacking mobility, armor was designed to protect the body from attack. It proved to be quite effective despite its restrictive attributes. Modern body armor is a direct descendant from that developed centuries ago. In effect, in just a few words, Paul is telling Christians they are indeed targets that are under attack or soon will be.

The second point is that Christians are to put on the full armor of God, not just a few pieces. Much like traditional armor, exposure provides weakness and makes one ripe for attack. In considering this, it seemed obvious to me that the full ensemble should be donned, not simply preferred pieces. But why would Paul use the word full and then later go on to identify each piece and its purpose? Perhaps he knew (rightly, I believe) that Christians were apt to pick and choose, not wanting to be weighed down. Relating armor to SCUBA gear, as a diver I must admit diving in warmer water has its advantages. Namely, not as much gear is needed. Why wear a wetsuit if you don’t have to, right? Maybe that was Paul’s thinking. Fully converted and committed to a difficult life of faith, he may have had an inkling that shortcuts were often times preferred even though they could be dangerous. Nevertheless we are to wear the armor completely.

Third, having been put on notice of the pending attack, we should take solace in the knowledge armor is available. Even though attack is imminent, there is protection. There is a way to survive, which is not to be confused with walking away without a scratch. That isn’t what Paul is indicating. Wearing a bulletproof vest will stop the bullet from piercing one’s skin and entering the body, but it will not eliminate its force when it impacts. Bruising, soreness, and perhaps even some broken ribs will result. The armor’s job isn’t to serve as some sort of deflector shield like those glorified in science fiction movies. Its job is to protect against critical injury so we can continue to fight. After all, as Paul goes on to state, we are involved in spiritual warfare. Warfare is defined as “the struggle between two nations or groups.” Indeed Christianity is a struggle.

Fourth, and perhaps the greatest point Paul makes, is the armor is God’s! We aren’t instructed to wear any old, run of the mill armor. No. God’s armor is available to us. This is important for two reasons. One, his armor is not of this world. Two, his armor is sufficient for those who wear it. Remember, we are involved in spiritual warfare. How comforting is it to know that not only is shielding available, but that shielding belongs to God and is therefore sufficient to protect us! We are his soldiers and advance on the enemy in his armor under the flag of righteousness.

In just a fragment of a sentence, Paul tells us these four things. His following words amplify and expound upon their significance. Yet even without his full explanation, we can decipher the need to remain vigilant, protected, and ready. Each day we must put on God’s armor and engage in spiritual warfare until the battle is won!