Fighting Fire

Ephesians 6:13-17  CSB

“For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation 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.”

Bunker gear weighs 45 pounds. Add a pack and some tools and we are at 75-90 pounds, easy. Nobody wears it for comfort. It’s heavy. It’s hot and doesn’t breathe well, so it gets sweaty. There’s a foil liner in here so you’re basically a baked potato.  The gear really seals in the flavor. The pack on your back will start to hurt and compressor air in the tank isn’t exactly the freshest to breath.

If I handed you a set of bunker gear and said “Put this on, you’ll love it. It’s very slimming! Everyone will think you’re cool. Kids will want their picture with you.”

You’d be out of it so quick.  The only thing I think about when I peel out of my gear is a shower. Some departments are putting in medical spas to get the nasty off. Nobody wears it for comfort or to feel Downy soft.

But if I said “put this on, the building is on fire and we are trapped,” nothing would get you to take it off. You’d get low. You’d take slow breaths from your mask. And you’d clutch that axe and start thinking about making yourself a new door out.

The difference is the danger.  You and I are called to live dangerously.

Maybe the Armor of God doesn’t seem to matter much to you because you’re not convinced, you’re in danger or you refuse to step into situations that are risky.  May I propose that perhaps you’re simply a bystander who’s yet to join the mission of the Chief? You don’t yet see yourself as someone who He’s sent to influence a world for the Gospel.

Or perhaps the thought of overcoming spiritual deception and becoming who God has made you to be threatens your comfort too much. In fact, facing the temptation, doubt, and discouragement is too much to

Friend… we are in a firefight whether you like it or not and you were made to go to war. And because our Chief is all-powerful and all-knowing, He has promised to make you fireproof.

Luke 10:19 CSB

“Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you.”

What are you waiting for? It’s time to pack out because it’s going to get hot. But it will be worth it!