"Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people)."
Ephesians 6:11-18 (AMP)
When some people read these verses, they may see people in battle in the book of Revelation, but this is our day-to-day activities. We are fighting spiritual battles every day. Whether you see the battles or not spiritual things are going on around you at all times. This is why we as Christians need to have our armor on at all times. We must not let words, foolish acts, or anything deter us from staying grounded in God’s word and His Spirit. People will act selfishly, people will make mistakes, but we cannot let people get dramatic reactions from us. There was a time that Jesus had to act in a fashion to protect God’s house that seemed unprecedented. This happened when people were allowing ungodly things to go on inside God’s house. Jesus made a whip and cleaned out God’s house. We as Christians and Christian leaders should not be afraid to take a stand against things and actions that are not of God. Should we run people away from church? NO! What should take place is for leaders to take a stand and describe the wrong action, give scripture of how it is wrong, give scripture of the corrections, and encourage to do the right thing and not to allow it again. For more information see 2 Timothy 4:1-3 (especially verse 2). We as Christians have to be ready for a spiritual battle at any given time, but we have to realize that God has the lead in every aspect of these battles. We should seek Him and His guidance for every situation and direction for our lives at all times.
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