Be Prepared!

     After enjoying a nice, light breakfast consisting of a scoop of oatmeal drizzled with agave nectar, organic of course, and some cinnamon, I button up my dress shirt; tuck it in my slacks; fasten my belt; knot up my tie; and fasten on that name tag.  It's very typical that every missionary do the same (except for the breakfast).  Routinely going about, conducting such a ritual, I was reminded of a verse in Paul's epistle to the Ephesians.  In chapter 6, it mentions how the church members in the Ephesus are to protect themselves from the woes of the world by putting on some protective items of clothing (reworded for easier understanding).

• Underpants of truth (Ephesians 6:14)
• Breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)
• Sandals of the gospel (Ephesians 6:15)
• Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)
• Helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)
• Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

     With these pieces of clothing-- and some tools-- God had instructed Paul to instruct these church members with such preparation so that no evil can prevail against them.  While these things are worn, it gives a great promise that one's "utterance may be given that I (not just Paul, but us all) may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19).  The fiery darts cannot penetrate your being as you have on God's armor.

     Clipping the nametag in place, it dawned on me that I needed to consider these things that are in my spiritual wardrobe.  Sure, I have a weapon in there, but it's there to pierce the soul to the convincing and undeniable evidence that Jesus is the Christ.

Nothing more.

• We need to wax strong in virtue as it girds our loins.
• We need to let our light shine from our bosoms.
• We need to walk the gospel path-- the path Jesus and His disciples walked.
• We need to block evil and persecution with the faith and testimony in which we possess.
• We need to constantly know and treasure up in our minds that salvation cometh through the Holy Messiah.
• We need to strike others so that they may know the truths in which we believe through the power of the Holy Ghost.

     For us all, Satan lurks in every corner and evil lies in wait-- wanting an opportunity to pounce on you, taking you over so that you can no longer return to God.  A motley crew of attire lies in wait, waiting to be used so that you can defend yourself from his minions it is your 1 Thessalonians 5:22.  Don't think much of the adversity-- just know that you'll be okay if you have everything on while you do your thing.