The Armor of God: Are You Wearing the Right Kind?

Knights in gleaming armor mounted on mighty steeds, banners whipping in the wind as they gallop to the top of the hill before the barbarian armies, await the clash and toil of war, creating a vivid picture of manliness and courage. Literature treats us to visions of noble kings and their valiant knights assembled, prepared to fight for honor and glory. So thrilling and yet, sorry to say, as followers of Christ, we must strip off that splendid get-up and don the much simpler, more humble armor of Christ.  We forsake old life of pride and begin a new one, where we are mighty in the spirit but lowly in the flesh. The old way is the way of pride, but now Jesus calls us to be meek, as He is.

In medieval times, knights wore incredibly heavy armor to protect themselves against other knights who wore similar gear. The suits of armor in museums look uncomfortable and unwieldy. Knights needed squires to help them get in and out of their armor and on and off their horses.  Jousting was basically an exercise in knocking one another off horses. Once on the ground, the armor could become a trap, keeping the knight from escaping. Their vision was limited to a mere slit in their headpiece and often the only way to kill a knight in combat was to slide your sword into that small slit. What a brutal way to die. And what an interesting picture of pride.

Take off that shining armor!

I am learning a basic lesson on this journey as a believer. One cannot operate out of pride, and at the same time, wear the full armor of Christ. To protect oneself with pride is to be imprisoned within a structure that, despite our best efforts, is easily noticed by the enemy and makes us an easy target for deception.  You see, pride feels safe, but in fact, makes one vulnerable.

Compare this to the armor of God.  You are assigned shoes, a helmet, a breastplate, a sword, and a shield.  Everything major is protected, but you have mobility and complete vision.  You can dress yourself. However, you are more vulnerable. Others can see who you are. The armor is important but it does not serve as a trap or as a cover for who you are. It enhances your life but it is not your life. You wear instead of a heavy metal cage, a sword of truth, a helmet of salvation, shoes that befit a bringer of peace.

…your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

I think of pride as that old suit of armor we fashion for ourselves.  It shows the world only what we want them to see. It is fashioned in order to intimidate others.  The mask on a suit of armor looks frightening and cruel or perhaps perfect and unassailable. Some of us are the Black Knight, fearsome and daunting to any who would threaten. Others of us prefer the shining armor and the white horse. We want to be heroes.

Heroes or Saints?

And so pride traps us. Our armor is created in the image of what we would like to be. But like the medieval knight, our vision of others and ourselves becomes limited.  We require more and more help in the form of approval from others to maintain our armor. We are trapped behind our self-made masks, but leaving our protective shell behind is terrifying. We could get hurt or worse if we expose ourselves for who we really are.

The armor of God is designed, interestingly, from that of the Roman soldiers. What is sometimes left out is what made the Roman army so effective at conquering the ancient world. When facing an enemy onslaught of arrows, they would form what historians called a turtle. They would lock shields around themselves and overhead. Nothing could penetrate and they could advance unharmed towards their foes.

The Battalion of Saints

What should that look like for us? Imagine if Christians banded together, locking our shields of faith together. Imagine how we could advance against the enemy! Instead, we squabble amongst ourselves, pointing out each other’s failings and arguing minor points of theology. To advance against the evils of the world, we must unite with Jesus and with one another! And to do that, we must live together in harmony and humility.

But isn’t that what Jesus did?  The king of the universe walked humbly in our midst, suffered betrayal at our hands willingly, and died a criminal’s death.  He consorted with the poor, the wounded, and the immoral. And as we follow him down the Calvary road, we must travel light.  Knights in all their glory are not found there, only foot soldiers following the way of their king.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6: 10-18

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