Equipped: Faith

Continuing this series on the armor of God is a discussion of the next piece of essential equipment: the Shield of Faith.  We've already talked about three other pieces: the cingulum militaire, the lorica segmentata, and the caligae.  Paul now says:

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."  Ephesians 6:16

The scutum was the shield used by a Roman legionnaire. The shield was made out of bonded strips of wood covered in several layers of thick leather.  It was about four feet tall and two and a half feet wide and was curved rather than flat.  When carried into battle, the scutum would extend from below the knee to just under the eyes and curve around the body of the average soldier, effectively creating a mobile wall of protection. The curvature of the shield deflected blows and caused arrows and spears to glance off to the sides.   Before battle, the shields would be drenched in water to soak the leather in order to make them resistant to incendiary weapons such as flaming arrows.  The scutum was also used in a corporate defensive formation called the testudo or "tortoise".  Soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder would raise their shields together side by side with those on the flanks and the rear facing the appropriate direction and those in the middle of the formation raising them over their heads.  This formation was a virtually impenetrable defense but required the troops to move in unison to be effective.

What is Faith?
Faith is not simply a belief that something is or exists.  Faith is one very important step further - placing your trust in that which you believe.  We learn from Hebrews 11:1 that:

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Faith gives reality to belief.  It is an active participation in a belief; the very real response to it.

Faith as a Shield
Since Paul is writing to Christians, we know that he is not talking about saving faith when he refers to the shield.  The faith that acts as our shield is a daily decision to place our trust in God.  Faith in His love.  Faith in His forgiveness.  Faith in His plan, provision, and promises.  The Shield of Faith protects us.  It takes the brunt of the enemies attacks.  While we do have our other armor on, our faith is the first line of defense.  With faith absorbing the impact of the attack, our peace is undisturbed.  When faith intercepts a flaming arrow our righteousness remains intact.  Faith is able to completely preserve us spiritually in any battle.  Paul writes that this shield is able to "extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one."  The reality is that some of these attacks do hit us.  Our peace is shaken, we forget truth, and our righteousness comes under attack.  This can only happen when we let our guard down; when we drop our shield on the ground or lower it and so leave an opening for attack.  The good news is that Satan can't force us to lay down our shield.  It can withstand every spiritual attack if we are prepared.  The effectiveness of your shield is dependent on two things.  The first is your understanding of God.  In order to have a complete faith, you must have a complete picture of God.  Strive to know Him through His Word and through prayer.  The second thing is actively "taking up your shield".  Practice faith.  Live what you say you believe.  Act on direction and wisdom sought in prayer.  Give sacrificially.  Share your faith with others.

Flaming Arrows
Satan is a liar.  And two of the primary ways that he will attack you are doubt and pride.  It could be any number of specific situations or lies, but most of it will boil down to these two.  If he can convince you to doubt God (His promises, His character, etc.) you'll drop your shield and be wide open for a full attack.  Likewise, if he can convince you that you don't need God (in a specific area - remember, Paul is talking to Christians), you'll let down your guard.  This is essentially what pride, in this sense, is.  This is especially dangerous to more mature believers who may feel that they've come far enough in their spiritual walk that they couldn't possibly fall to some sins.  As if they are somehow good enough in and of themselves.  The Roman soldiers kept the leather of their shields wet to quench the flames of the arrows.  Keep your faith growing, exercise it, keep it "battle-ready."

The Testudo Formation
Imagine a community of believers who were all striving to take up their shields of faith; standing together against the attacks of the devil.  A group of Christians doing life together, moving with unity and purpose with complete faith in God.  Here's what it looked like in terms of the Roman legions:

Is it any wonder that Satan fears the Body of Christ?  Is it a surprise that he attacks our unity? Certainly a single legionnaire, properly equipped, is a daunting opponent.  But a group in formation is a fearsome foe indeed.  The clear call seen in the tenth chapter of Hebrews is to take part in a community of believers.  The purpose of this is to help us persevere in our faith.  We are better together.

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  Hebrews 10:19-25

Take Up Your Shield
Paul's charge to take up your shield does not mean that this is always easy.  Whereas you put on the other pieces of armor, you have to hold the shield.  You have to be vigilant and remember that the attack can come at any time. The encouragement you need to hold fast to your faith and to trust in God completely is that this same faith is able to withstand ALL of the enemies attacks.  So take up your shield.  Prepare for battle.  Stand firm behind its protection.

God Owned Me

You know what I hate?

When God uses my own words to convict me.

Now let me clear up any confusion.  I don't mean that I hate God's conviction (though it can be uncomfortable).  I mean that I hate that I seem so blind to things sometimes that I can say something and not see that God is telling me the same thing.

Let me get right down to it.

My kids.  When they aren't drowning me with cuteness, they are usually testing every last nerve I have.  One of the more frustrating things that they do is play on/sit on/lay on/jump off certain pieces of furniture in our living room.  I don't keep many things off limits, just a couple, but they consistently disobey my very clear and oft repeated prohibitions from those couple things.  It drives me CRAZY!  I don't feel like it's deliberate.  I don't know if they are just forgetting, or ignoring, or somehow misunderstand the simple two letter word 'NO'.

Here's the kicker.  They'll inevitably start doing whatever it is that they are not supposed to be doing and then in a moment of sheer frustration I'll yell out something like "How can you possibly be doing what I've been telling you at least ten times a day every single day not to do!!!"  Yeah.  Then approximately 2.4 seconds later, heard just above the thumping sound of the blood rushing through the veins in my head/neck from the kid-induced rage attack, I hear that still small voice.  And it says, "That's a good question.  I was wondering the same thing."

Owned.

By my own words.

It's pretty effective though.  And humbling.  It reminds me that, although I've made some great strides in my walk with God, sometimes I can still be that rebellious child that I see in my preschool-aged kids.  It challenges me to pay attention to what my Father is saying and make the necessary changes.  I know the Christian life is a journey in faith toward maturity, I guess sometimes I just need that wake-up call that I'm not there yet.

How about you?  Has God ever flipped your own words around on you?  Did you learn from the experience?

Equipped: Peace

Peace.

It seems like a somewhat foreign concept these days.  Wars, terrorism, racial tensions, gang violence, economic uncertainty, financial hardship, domestic disputes, et cetera ad infinitum.  With so many things happening around us, one wonders how we can possibly have peace.  Yet despite the volatility of our times, indeed because of it, peace is precisely what we need.  In Ephesians 6, Paul highlights the need for peace when he lists it as part of the armor of God that we are to put on in preparation for spiritual battle.  In previous weeks I've blogged on the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness.  This week's post is on what I'll term (since you'll see it described in a variety of ways) the Sandals of Peace.

"Stand firm then...with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."  Ephesians 6:14a, 15

A soldier of the Roman Empire wore a specific type of footwear called the caligae (singular = caliga).  These sandals laced up tightly in the center to provide support for the ankle.  They featured a thick sole designed to protect the feet from sharp debris as well as traps.  One of the more common traps in use by the enemy consisted of burying sharpened sticks with their tips just above the surface of the ground.  Without the protection of the thick soles, a soldiers feet could be pierced, severely hindering their ability to fight.  If infection set in, they might be removed from battle altogether.  Another distinctive feature of the caligae was the hobnailed bottoms.  These iron nails, which protruded from the soles of the sandals, provided traction for the soldier when climbing a slippery hillside or or an enhanced ability to stand firm on grass or mud (similar to today's athletic cleats).  The caligae were an essential piece of the armor of a Roman soldier.  Without protected feet and firm footing, a sword and shield would matter little.  To be effective, one's feet had to be prepared with the right equipment.

War and Peace

It may seem strange that we're told to pursue peace in order to prepare for war.  But in the same way that the caligae protected and prepared the feet of the soldier, so peace protects us and prepares us for battle.  An effective soldier was ready for debris in the road and the traps of the enemy because his feet were equipped properly.  Peace prepares us for the turmoil and uncertainty of life and also helps us stand firm when (not if) the devil attacks.

Let's look at 2 different types of peace:

Peace WITH God

Before a person becomes a Christian they are an enemy of God.  Once a person accepts Jesus as their Savior, they have peace with God.

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved form the hope held out in the gospel."  Colossians 1:21-23a

 "...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..."

There is a peace that comes from our changed status before God.  Satan will never ultimately prevail against us because he has already been defeated at the cross.  Peace with God allows us to stand firm on the knowledge that we have eternal life.

Peace OF God

Our peace with God results in eternal life.  The peace of God gives us the abundant life Jesus talks about (John 10:10).  Too often, Christians stop at peace with God, they never really pursue the peace of God.  But Paul tells us (those who already have peace with God) that we need to put on peace.  Lives without peace often end up characterized by other things:

• Stress
• Depression
• Hurt
• Hopelessness
• Panic
• Guilt
• Fear

Without God's peace, we have no effective way of dealing with these things.  Peace is not the absence of trials and temptations; it is a gift from God that, when utilized, allows us to have a settled mind and focus fully on the battle.

So how do we put on the Sandals of Peace?  I think there are two very effective ways; two things that we need to pursue for peace.

Prayer

Daily prayer is like the protection afforded by the thick soles of the sandals.  It acts to protect us from the debris of everyday life, the things that happen all around us that tend to erode our peace.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

Pray for God's wisdom.  Peace comes as a result of knowing your decisions are directed by God.

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom...all her paths are peace."  Proverbs 3:13,17

Give your anxiety to God.

 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."  1 Peter 5:7

Promises

Dwelling on God's promises helps us dig in for the fight just like the hobnailed sandals provided traction for the soldier.  Standing firm and focusing on His promises through reading His Word daily helps us to battle the enemies of peace.

"Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble."  Psalm 119:165

 Here's some of the promises I stand on to battle my own personal enemies of peace:

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

 "Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?'  The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them.  Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants.  Then all your other needs will be met as well."  Matthew 6:31-33

 The peace of God depends on trust and obedience.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6

 Final Thoughts

Pursuing peace is all about perspective.  It's about "upward", instead of inward or outward.  To have real peace we have to put our trust in God and obey His Word.  When we do that, instead of focusing inward on our worries and fears, or outward on circumstances beyond our control, we will be putting on the Sandals of Peace.

Redesign

Even though I've only been blogging since June, I thought it was time for a redesign.

When I first set up this blog, I intended it to be a place where I could just throw my ideas to the wind with no real thought to those who may stop by to read it.  I just grabbed a template and went to work.  In recent days, I've been rethinking the purpose of my writing and I think that perhaps I SHOULD be writing for other people instead of myself.  With that in mind, I plan on my posts being less research-heavy and include more personal thoughts and application.  (I'll finish up my Equipped series in the same format I've presented it so far)

Since I'm redirecting my writing, I thought it an appropriate time to redesign the site to be more user-friendly as well.  So tell me what you think or if you notice anything not working (it's my first time working with HTML).  I hope you'll continue to stop by and participate in the conversation.

Thanks for reading!