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Watch Your Back

A few years ago, I designed a T-shirt for a children's ministry at a traditional church where I worked. Even though the idea wasn't original, the design was and I thought it was hilarious. It had the reference, Ephesians 6:10-20, a cartoon of a gladiator and the caption, "Don't Fight Naked." Apparently the church was more conservative than I thought. I showed the design to a few people and immediately began receiving phone calls. Apparently the word "Naked" is offensive to some people. Who knew?

The armor of God is a great visual. Everybody has visions of Russell Crowe fighting gladiators and becoming a Roman hero. I remember the scene where he gets new armor from his owner. It would help him in his fights ahead.

Even if you are perfectly equipped with salvation, righteousness, truth, God's Word, faith, and a message there is still more to gain if you follow the analogy of a Roman Soldier. The Roman soldier had nothing to protect his back. OK, this idea is not original either. You may have heard sermons about not giving up in the fight. But there is more to it than that. God is concerned about two important things.

First, God is concerned about the direction you are facing. It's not about how many demons you defeat in your life. It's not about whether or not you are stumbling along or charging ahead. It simply matters if you get up every morning and decide you are going to walk the direction that God wants.

Second, you have to watch your flank. Uriah found out the importance of keeping fellow soldiers at your side. When the army pulled back and left him alone, he died. You will be more successful in your spiritual journey if you surround yourself with other warriors who are fighting the same battle. You can be even more successful if you keep seasoned warriors close to you.

Accept everything that God wants to give you. Don't turn back. Keep going no matter how clumsy you may feel. Then surround yourself with others who can watch your back.

Comments

Eric Smith said…
Hey, I was kind of curious where that traditional church was? ;^)

Great article bro - you still rule!
Love ya'
Eric
5:07 PM
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