Just Put It On

Therefore put on the full armor of God...(Ephesians 6: 13a)

I love shopping for clothing.  I just love it!  The idea of having new clothes to wear cheers me up.  And specially when it's a steal.  Bargain hunting is one of the thrills of life in my small and rather pathetic existence.  Thrift shops are like a sort of paradise for me.  Discount stores are my best friends.  I love yard sales; however, they make me extremely self-conscious so I don't break for them, unless I'm hanging out with someone else.  I guess I need a buddy in order to feel comfortable yard selling.  Anyway, if I weren't broke all the time, I'd be broke all the time because of all the shopping I'd be doing.  

The one thing I detest, though, is trying stuff on.  What a let down that is... There's no greater kill-joy than trying on something you really, really, really like, just to find out it looks terrible on you... what a dream crusher...

So, what do I do?  I avoid the fitting room.  I grab the stuff.  I bring it home.  I hold my breath.  I try it on.  Sometimes I hit a homerun.  Many times I strike out.

As I enter into a closer look at the Armor of God, I read Paul's first instruction:  put it on.  It's simple, just put it on!

Easy, right?

Well...how do I put it on, when I don't want to?

I'm OK getting it, and keeping it home.  But, do I really have to try it on?  What if it doesn't fit?  Can't I just keep it in the closet?  It sure looks good in there!  Every time I look at it, all shiny and impressive, it really inspires me!  I feel stronger just looking at it.  Why do I have to actually put it on?  I don't really need to do that.  I think, the fact I have it is enough, isn't it?  If I try it on, I run the risk of looking ridiculous.  What if it makes me look fat? Then, there'll be no point in keeping it...so I might have to return it...and then, what?

The thing is, the instruction is clear:  PUT. IT. ON.  The Armor of God is not meant to be hanging pretty in a closet.  It's not supposed to be a prized possession that one takes out on special occasions and puts it on display like a museum piece, for the world to see that we do have one.  It's not an antique we got at a flea market for a steal.  The Armor of God is given to us who belong to the Lord's Army, but it wasn't a bargain.  It wasn't free at all.  It was paid for by Jesus with His Precious Blood.  And it is our privilege, our duty, our right and our honor to wear it.  Therefore, it must also be our desire.

That desire comes from recognizing that the Armor of God is our defense.  It's God's gift to us so we can withstand the trials and tribulations of this world.  Without it, we are unprotected.  The enemy lies to us and uses our insecurities to keep us from doing what we are supposed to do: wear it.  He does that because he knows, better than ourselves, that without it we are vulnerable.  And one of his most effective weapons to prevent that we even try it on, is the mirror.  So, perhaps, it's time to get rid of it? Maybe it is time we stop being so self-conscious and look around at those whose armors are already on, and reach out for support.  Just like I feel I need a buddy to go yard selling, I might need the steady hand of my family in Christ to help me drop my insecurities and get into that fitting room, already, and just put it on...not paying attention to the mirrors that lie and distort reality. It's time to do whatever needs to be done in order to get fully dressed in His Armor.

Strengthened by the prayers of the faithful, I will rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to ignore the mirror, and mute the voices in my head that tell me it doesn't look good on me, that I don't deserve it, that I'm not worthy of it, and just put it on, and wear it each day...for the days of evil are already here, and I must be ready to stand firm.  In the Precious Name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen!