Reflections for the Journey: Putting on the Armor of God
Author: Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis, Jr.
In this year 2020, we continue to grapple with many issues worldwide, as a nation, and in our personal lives. We are living in unprecedented times that have changed our ways of life. The ongoing pandemic, racial injustice, and social unrest (and many other problems) have created fear, anxiety, angry protests, violence, and destruction. So how do we come to terms with these problems and concerns that have caused disruption and damage to our way of life? How do we confront the undesirable actions that theses “wars” are producing? What should be our faith response to these ongoing challenges?
During challenging times for the early Christians in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul wrote to give them hope and encouragement for the opposing forces of their day. He wrote, “Put on the whole armor of God…” (See Ephesians 6:10-18) To put on the “whole armor” means to believe all that Jesus has done (Ephesians 1-3) and to live out his teachings in our daily lives (Ephesians 4-5). It means claiming the assurance of God’s help to face life’s challenges no matter what we may be facing. The whole armor is the expression of our full trust in God and what God has done on our behalf through Jesus Christ.
The whole armor of God equips us for Gospel living as we claim the bold new life and live out the message of peace modeled by the Master Teacher. Jesus offered these words of encouragement to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to new Christian converts who were being challenged by various religious influences: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) Today more than ever we need to be reminded of how to be decent, caring, compassionate humans to and for one another. This means that we must take positive actions that reflect Jesus’ teachings. Empowered by the Spirit, we must equip ourselves with God’s spiritual armor that enables Christ-like living every day.
About the Author:
The Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis has been a resident of the Richmond area for 30 years. He served on the Richmond District as senior pastor of Bon Air UMC, and Richmond District Superintendent prior to his retirement. Writing a devotional, “Reflections for the Journey,” is a part of his weekly disciplines.
