I shuffled the hangers in my closet overwhelmed with decisions. Should I wear long or short sleeves, an open or closed toe shoe and what about matching accessories? Maybe a dress would be a better choice instead of pants and a jacket. The choices were endless and the fact that I hadn’t bothered to check the weather for our multi-climate region only complicated my choices.

As I sat on the edge of the bed with closet doors open and random garments strewn across the floor, I was reminded of a dress code that hasn’t changed with time, seasons or fashion trends. It existed long before the chic models on runways of New York, San Francisco, Milan and Paris ever brandished high-end designer clothing lines.

It is conservative attire purposely designed to protect the body in any climate, in all circumstances and every setting. The ensemble has every component needed to dress you from head to toe. It doesn’t include a designer handbag but chances are good you won’t need it for this battle-focused attire. That collared shirt perfectly paired with a matching neck scarf or tie will make nice accessories if going for that upscale, trendy look; feel free to indulge yourself but it won’t provide protection when engaged in the spiritual warfare agenda of daily life.

Come on… warfare? 

If you aren’t aware of what’s going on in our nation and around the world, then you are living in a cocoon and have acquired immunity to daily news casts. Most mornings I awaken to my husband watching headline news. With mockery I ask, “Well, is the world still standing?” In the times that we live these are words no longer be spoken in jest. The unseen spiritual warfare over earth is alarming. Even those who don’t embrace the resurrected Jesus and Divinity of God’s Word question the future of our world.

The world has always been filled with evil, but evil is now on steroids. Satan knows his time is limited before the return of Jesus and every demon in hell is working overtime to destroy, devour and do battle within the unseen heavenly realms. Whether you are a Christian believer, agnostic, atheist or someone teetering on the fringes of darkness or light make no mistake, Satan covets your soul. Your only protection is to dress yourself from head to toe in the armor of God and it is suited for every life occasion.

So, back to my closet…what is dress of the day?

“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.”
Ephesians 6: 1–13

• Belt of Truth
  This is the first part of the armor listed because, without truth, we are lost, and the schemes of the devil will surely overpower us. We are to buckle the belt around our waists. In the spiritual realms, the belt of truth holds the sword of the Spirit, linking truth and the Word of God.
• Breastplate of righteousness
  The breastplate was designed to protect a warrior’s upper torso, most notably his heart. When we are living with the righteousness of God indwelling us and are attempting to live our lives in a righteous manner, the ‘breastplate of righteousness’ is our protection in the midst of the spiritual battles we all face daily. When we give our lives to Jesus our sins are forgiven and we put on the breastplate of God’s righteousness. We commit ourselves to live our life according to God’s Word (1 John 1:7).
• Feet fitted with readiness
  Readiness suggests mobility and action which certainly rules out heeled shoes; you can’t stand firm in stilettos or spiked heels. Feet fitted with readiness means we willing to go wherever God sends us to spread the Gospel of peace to counteract the work of Satan.
• Shield of faith
  Faith is an unshakable belief in the promises of God and the realization of something we can’t see. At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.” (Ephesians 6:16) We use the shield of faith under the covering of the blood of Christ to extinguish the malignant, fiery darts of Satan’s temptations.
• Helmet of salvation
  The impenetrable defense against anything the enemy throws at us is the helmet of salvation. When preparing for Satan’s attack buckle that helmet tightly so Satan does not penetrate our thoughts with his fiery darts. Our minds are battlefields and the helmet of salvation insulates against the suggestions, desires, and traps the enemy lays for us.
• Sword of the spirit
  The sword used by Roman soldiers was a fearsome weapon and was the main weapon in the soldier’s arsenal. Apostle Paul defines the sword of the Spirit as the “word of God” and capable of piercing to the deepest levels of one’s heart and attitude.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13).

• Prayers on all occasions
  Be alert and pray always for all the Lord’s people.

  “Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

TODAY’S PRAYER

Despite all that is thrown at me today, I will stand strong, by the Word of God deep within my heart and soul, and by Your grace. I will dress for the occasion in your full armor to combat the warfare Satan wages against me.

AMEN