Ephesians 6:10 – A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (NLT)

All or nothing – that’s just how many things work in life!  For example, if two people want to be married, they will have to be totally committed to one another for the rest of their lives.  Anything less will be harmful to the marriage.  In essence, it will have to be all or nothing.  Giving all will ensure a stable marriage, while anything less will ensure a rocky road.

If we want to live the abundant life that Jesus has promised us (John 10:10), it’s all or nothing, as well.  That’s what this passage of scripture says to me.  This is a familiar passage, and many Christians are well versed with God’s Amor.  However, many Christians are not aware that when it comes to the protection of God’s armor, one must put on every single piece – or one might as well not wear any of it at all. 

Consider verse thirteen: “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil”. We must put on every piece of God’s armor!  We can’t pick and choose what part we will wear.  There are Christians who go to worship on Sunday to ‘fill up’ for the week, but by Wednesday (or Monday) they find themselves losing the battle with evil once again.  We must put on every piece of the armor, and we must put it on every day!

Notice something else about verse thirteen: “Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”  The armor of God does not prevent spiritual battles.  Spiritual battles are coming!  To be able to stand after the battle, we have to be all in before the battle.

Today, let us be all in!  Let us seek every weapon that God provides so that when the battle does come, we will make it through victoriously. 

Posed by Ramón Torres