How to be Spiritually Armed

When it comes to the seasons of the year when themes of darkness characterize themselves as whimsical, worthy of celebration, and suitable for all ages, we must take a moment to ponder if we are indeed being duped. The ambition of Satan is to deceive mankind, we see this from the fall in Eden, and we see this evident today. Instead of living from a posture of anxiety and fear, we have the option to live from the authority of victory that comes from salvation through Jesus Christ. Instead of allowing the darkness to control you, be it through participation or crippling fear, let’s seek the Word of God as to how we can live spiritually armed in all times. 

Show Us What We Cannot See

Ignorance is not bliss, rather, it is a spiritual blindness in a world where sharp and keen senses are a vital asset. When we choose not to ignore things but pray for sensitivity and coherency to know what is truly of the Light and what is not, it is there that we exercise good discernment. In Ephesians 5:6-13 Paul reminds us that we should not have anything to do with the darkness, 

See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:6-13

As children of God, we are called to be children of Light, and to no longer participate in the activities rooted in darkness. For some of these opportunities it will be unmistakable, but for others we must pull off the metaphorical mask veneered upon such things that offer the facade of “harmless fun” or “make-believe.” We must not deceive ourselves to the ignorant stance that there is a very real spiritual battle occurring in the unseen. 

There is also the hope of seeing spiritually through the lens that only God can offer. In 2 Kings 6:16-17 an attendant to Elisha erroneously deemed everything hopeless and lost as the enemy quickly approached, but Elisha prayed for the man to see the truth of the Lord. He intercedes for the attendant, 

“And he said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “LORD, please, open his eyes so that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 

God opened the eyes of the man to reveal the fact that there were more with them than with the enemy. We can cling to hope that with God we have the victory, even when the circumstances appear differently. 

Ephesians 6 Armor 

We must utilize the wisdom of God through equipping ourselves with the armor of God. This armor is not just an illustrative metaphor, it is a choice of belief that when we pray it over ourselves that in the Spirit of God we are outfitted, 

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:11-18

Consider taking a sharpie and writing these verses on the soles of your shoes, on the inside of your belt, or within the rim of your baseball caps and as you do so pray that this would manifest itself in the Spirit of God to truly be the protection of the Lord Himself. When we do so we begin to comprehend that He is our fortress and haven, even against the flaming arrows of the Enemy, and we posture our minds to be set on the ultimate victory of Christ. 

Mindset 

Our mindset holds more weight than we give it credit for when it comes to the consideration of things of the darkness. We must live by the truth that through and in Christ we have been given a sound mind, not a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). This means that we do not need to be afraid or paranoid that there is, “a demon behind every bush” rather utilize wisdom. When we lean not on our own understanding, but we instead seek His definition of situations it is there that we abide and affix ourselves to truth (Proverbs 3:5-6). Fear is not our portion, the victory of Christ’s work on the cross is, and we can make the choice to live in that heart posture and mindset every day. 

No Compromises

As Children of Light, we are called to a higher standard, and in doing so we must acknowledge that we will ruffle feathers in the process. When we make the choice to follow Christ, we will find that there are things we must let go of (Mark 8:34). What we exchange such things for is priceless, for His ways are always better, even if in the moment it feels like we are forfeiting something enjoyable. What we will also find is that when we make the choice not to compromise to the ways of the world, we no longer subject ourselves to be participants of tricks of the Enemy. No matter the time of year, we can root ourselves in Him, equip ourselves with Heaven’s armor, live vivaciously, and find ourselves spiritually aware and armed, no matter what comes our way.