Christian, you are a GI: Godly Issue

Ahhh... Ephesians 6:10-18. I love the smell of an epistle in the morning!

For obvious reasons, this Soldier gets fired up about that passage. This kind of language is something that I can easily grasp. I feel sorry for you civilians who have not had the benefit of a real-life, vocational education on what St. Paul is talking about here. No doubt, you have sat through one of those deep analysis sessions of this passage where some history buff gives you more than you ever wanted to know about the specifications of Roman Legionnaire and Greek Hoplite equipment. As awesome as the "Gladiator" approach is, that explination often misses the point.

Mercifully, this post will spare you the item-by-item application of this passage in favor of the overall point. It is something that you should never overlook when the discussion gets down to ancient shoe design.

Every time I read the Armor of God passage, I hear the pleasant voice of my Drill Sergeant whispering in my ear, "YOU @#$% IDIOT! A SOLDIER IS ONLY AS EFFECTIVE AS THE EQUIPMENT THAT HE TAKES TO THE FIGHT!" I usually heard this when I forgot something or neglected an item that Uncle Sugar had given to me.

In the daily spiritual battle of this life, what equipment are you taking to the field? Do you find yourself in the thick of the fight without a weapon? If you did actually remember to bring it, are you relying on what was issued to you? Do you know how to use it? Do you fearlessly employ the armament at your disposal? If the enemy is constantly catching you unprepared or gunshy, now is time to, "DEVLOP SOME @#$% DISCIPLINE AND RECTIFY YOUR SORRY SITUATION!" hehe... memories.

Since the beginning of warfare, warriors have seen their equipment as nothing less than an extension of their own bodies. A Soldier without his equipment is not a Soldier at all. For example, the Word of God is the mightiest weapon against evil. It is a lifesaver that should be inseperably bound to you like a Legionnare and his sword; like a Soldier and his M16. Are you able to use it effectively in combat? When it all hits the fan, are you ready to defend yourself?

The time will come when your brothers and sisters in arms will be counting on you to step up. What then? The time will come very soon when you are faced with the opportunity to deliver the Word of God down range and it will save someone from certain and eternal death. Are you ready?

Almighty God is the greatest logistician and armorer that you can imagine. There is no finer equipment than the Armor of God. As a Christian, you have been issued Truth, Righteousness, Gospel Readiness, Faith, Salvation, and the Word of God. If a Soldier is only as good as his equipment, you are unmatched. Be prepared. Rely on your equipment. Maintain your readiness. Train with it daily. Do not step outside unarmed. Such a mistake will prove to be very unforgiving.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

It is time to "ruck-up" and charge into the fight.