In the spiritual realm, where battles rage unseen, the life of a believer is marked not just by moments of worship but by continual warfare. This reality underpins the Christian’s daily walk with God, challenging us to be ever-vigilant and perpetually prepared.
The Misunderstood Hours of Prayer
It’s a common misconception that spiritual warfare is confined to the nocturnal hours, particularly between midnight and 2:00 AM. This notion, spurred by personal testimonies, may have inadvertently narrowed our understanding of prayer and spiritual warfare. While the intent to deepen commitment to prayer is commendable, true spiritual vigilance extends far beyond these hours. The Apostle Paul clarifies that for believers, “every hour is an hour of war,” and our engagement in this spiritual battle is constant (Ephesians 6:13).
The All-Day Armor of God
In Ephesians 6, Paul does not merely suggest but commands us to arm ourselves with the whole armor of God to withstand the trials and tribulations of “the evil day.” This imagery underscores every day as a battlefield, where the forces of darkness actively oppose God’s people. Hence, the Christian life is a perpetual state of readiness, armored for battle against a backdrop of cosmic warfare.
Understanding the Breastplate of Righteousness
Central to our spiritual armor is the breastplate of righteousness. This piece of armor is not just metaphorical but embodies the active pursuit of righteousness that defines the believer’s life. Drawing from Isaiah 59, where God Himself is depicted as a warrior clad in righteousness, Paul reiterates this image for the church, signifying that we, as followers of Christ, are to adopt the divine armor in our struggle against evil.
Righteousness as Active Defense
The righteousness we are called to “put on” involves more than just the passive receipt of God’s grace; it is an active, ongoing pursuit that aligns with the holy standards set by Christ. This pursuit is not about earning God’s favor but about living out the transformative power of the gospel that has already declared us righteous through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:24).
Daily Practices to Fortify Our Spiritual Armor
- Prayer: Continuous communication with God is crucial. It’s through prayer that we seek the strength and wisdom to live righteously (Ephesians 6:18).
- Engagement with Scripture: The Word of God is both sword and shield. It not only defends us from the enemy’s lies but actively transforms us, renewing our minds and empowering our spirits (2 Corinthians 3:18).
- Communal Support: The battle against sin and darkness is not meant to be fought in isolation. Our strength is multiplied through fellowship, as we join with other believers in worship, accountability, and mutual encouragement.
The Protection Offered by Righteous Living
Living a life of righteousness protects us by keeping us within God’s will and under His protective cover. It denies the enemy a foothold in our lives, preventing the spiritual decay that can occur from persistent sin. Furthermore, our collective commitment to righteousness fortifies the church, making it a beacon of light in a world shadowed by spiritual darkness.
Grace in Moments of Weakness
Despite our best efforts, there will be times when we falter. In these moments, it is crucial to remember that our ultimate victory is secured not by our strength but through Christ’s sacrifice. When we stumble, the cross of Christ is where we find forgiveness and the strength to rise again.
Conclusion: Called to a Higher Standard
As Christians, we are called not just to defend but to advance the Kingdom of God through lives of active righteousness. Each day presents a new opportunity to don the breastplate of righteousness, not in our power, but through the Holy Spirit who empowers and leads us. Let us, therefore, walk confidently and courageously, knowing that our spiritual armor is forged by God Himself, and with Him, we are invincible in the battle against evil.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Faith Activist
Featured Image by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash
