Come Close
Ephesians 6:11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Whole armor of God enables standing against the devil's schemes. Partial armor leaves gaps—truth without righteousness, zeal without peace, faith without the Word. Schemes are strategies, not only dramatic attacks: discouragement, division, deception. Lent awareness of spiritual conflict should produce sobriety, not paranoia. Put on armor by practices: truthfulness, integrity, gospel readiness, faith, salvation assurance, Scripture, prayer. Standing is the goal more often than charging. Consider what piece you leave in the closet. Schemes fail against dressed disciples who stay awake together. Do not fight alone; armor is issued to a people. Schemes lose power when truth is worn in community. Audit your armor with a trusted friend who will notice gaps. Standing firm can be the most courageous motion of the day.
PrayerGod, dress me in Your full armor today. Make me able to stand against schemes I would rather ignore. Amen.
