Put on the whole armor of God . . . (Ephesians 6:11)
Spiritual life involves a tremendous amount of warfare, and the only uncertainty is whether those enlisted will actually show up for battle. Truly, there seems to be a multitude of legitimate reasons for dodging the draft. “My family needs me” . . . “I have important business to tend to” . . . “My hands are full already” . . . “Isn’t spiritual warfare for professional ministers anyway?” All too often, it’s all about us! How sad that we spend so much energy considering the price we pay to serve God, while forgetting the price Jesus paid to save us. The call to “go” will be answered by the chosen few willing to strap on the full armor of God and fight the good fight of faith, knowing the battle is the Lord’s and the victory is nigh. The armor is only for those who will fight; it is cumbersome and useless for saints who refuse to go to war.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . . (Matthew 28:19)
We rejoice over those who believe and receive salvation, and we should! However, the work has just begun for that convert, and many arduous days and battles lie ahead. That is why our Lord instructed the apostles to go and make disciples, not just converts. God uses His disciples to come alongside His children and lead them into the beauty of the spiritual life. These are His most effective servants, and they have chosen to follow Jesus closely and glorify Him wherever they are sent. (That is why Satan doesn't fear converts — he fears disciples!) It is God's job to save souls, and it is ours to make disciples — disciples of Jesus, not of us or our way of thinking. This is the work God has given us to do, and may we do it without complaint and without fail.
Let's Pray - Father, I gladly put on the full armor, which is Christ. I am, therefore, girded up and prepared for every battle. In Him, I am victorious. Amen.
AMEN!!!!!!
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