I ordered a hand held mandoline slicer last month and read the suggestions to also use a knife glove, when using. I thought, “Psh. I’m 47 years old. I don’t need some stinkin’ glove to use a mandoline.” Turns out, the manufacturers were correct and I was wrong. I did, in fact, need a glove. The first time I used it, I found out just how very sharp it truly is! (I cut a chunk off of my right thumb). Later that night, I ordered the knife gloves. You are supposed to wear these gloves when using a sharp mandoline, sharp knives, shucking oysters, etc.
I cannot believe my smug arrogance. An extremely sharp blade on a mandoline slicer that came with a warning to use a protective glove, and I ignored it. I deserved that chunk of my thumb being cut off and the tingling sensation I still have from it. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.
I can’t help but see this as a reminder of how I get myself into dumb situations that clearly show I wasn’t wearing my protective gear.
You know the gear I’m talking about.
The full armor of God.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” - Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
If I have on my helmet of salvation but not the belt of truth buckled around my waist, I am heading into battle unprepared. Or if I have the belt of truth, but my feet are not fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, what good am I to fight against the powers of this dark world?
It is wonderful for us to fall to our knees in prayer when we need Papa’s grace. But it is even better to stay in constant prayer with Him, at all times. When we spend hours in the Word, we are learning what Papa’s voice is. We are learning what His message is.
When we seek ways to love people, we are actively mirroring Jesus. We are in a daily battle; a spiritual warfare, against the enemy. In fact, when we love others, we are defeating the enemy. One child of God at a time.
This is why we need the full armor. To protect ourselves, and to love and protect others.