Word@Work Eph80 - Ephesians 6:13b-14a
Published: Mon, 01/26/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
INTEGRITY ON EXERCISE
Ephesians 6:13b-14a ... and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist ... (NIV)
The classic British comedy, Dads Army, shows every new threat being met by Corporal Jones volunteering to something in a panic. Many Christians think that there must be something they can contribute to God's defence plan. But 'having done everything' simply means, having put on the whole of God's protection, the full/entire/whole armour of God. Although we need wisdom, discipline, planning, and right behaviour in the normal course of every day, and such disciplines are very helpful as they may enable us to recognise spiritual attack when it comes, they have no spiritual protection built into them as such. The armour which God supplies, comes to us by revelation; but there is no fleshly incentive to put it on. And even when we go to put it on, we are inclined to be selective. However, when we have faithfully applied all that God has revealed, we are ready to withstand the attack of evil.
The first defence against is truth (for Satan is a liar). Truth is likened to a Roman military belt. It holds all the rest of the battle-wear in place, and secures loose clothing so that it will not get in the way. It allows freedom of movement combined with security: the different pieces of armour cannot shift apart to reveal a weak place for the enemy lance or arrow. The belt also holds the sword (which is the Word of God) in a position where it can be used to cut through lies, when needed. Some people think that Christians must be restricted and narrow folk - but that is so far from the truth. God intends that we shall be fully protected (as long as we keep facing the enemy and refuse to run away), but not stifled. Freedom lies in knowing the truth and working with it (cf John 8:32).
But truth is often the first casualty of any conflict, and after it has gone, there is neither integrity nor trustworthiness. Any fighting unit knows that if you cannot rely on your fellow soldier, the battle is all but lost. Truth is the essential ingredient in fellowship (not frenzied activity), and the only antidote to the devil's nerve gas of lies. But make sure you wear the real uniform. Truth is not manufactured or invented to suit the soldier's convenience. It is revealed by God: it is only 'regulation issue' when it is straight from the Bible. If we wear it properly, we (and many others) will benefit. If we reject it or wear it carelessly, we will suffer, the Lord's cause will be discredited and others will suffer.
Today is a great day to take truth from its Bible store and wear it. Do not let it get loose for a minute in the boardroom or on the shop floor, in the canteen or the project meeting. And keep it on in the informal conversations and after work - where your guard can often slip. The more you exercise truth, the more trustworthy you will become; with your fellow believers at work, and in the family and church. Like that, the banner of Jesus will move forward, and so will you!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Forgive me for ignoring Your truth; for being slow to put Your Word into action. Forgive me for bending Your truth to suit my desires, and for only using Your truth when it fits my plan. Help me to practice truth at work this week, that Christ-like integrity will shine through, You will be honoured and I will be protected. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
The classic British comedy, Dads Army, shows every new threat being met by Corporal Jones volunteering to something in a panic. Many Christians think that there must be something they can contribute to God's defence plan. But 'having done everything' simply means, having put on the whole of God's protection, the full/entire/whole armour of God. Although we need wisdom, discipline, planning, and right behaviour in the normal course of every day, and such disciplines are very helpful as they may enable us to recognise spiritual attack when it comes, they have no spiritual protection built into them as such. The armour which God supplies, comes to us by revelation; but there is no fleshly incentive to put it on. And even when we go to put it on, we are inclined to be selective. However, when we have faithfully applied all that God has revealed, we are ready to withstand the attack of evil.
The first defence against is truth (for Satan is a liar). Truth is likened to a Roman military belt. It holds all the rest of the battle-wear in place, and secures loose clothing so that it will not get in the way. It allows freedom of movement combined with security: the different pieces of armour cannot shift apart to reveal a weak place for the enemy lance or arrow. The belt also holds the sword (which is the Word of God) in a position where it can be used to cut through lies, when needed. Some people think that Christians must be restricted and narrow folk - but that is so far from the truth. God intends that we shall be fully protected (as long as we keep facing the enemy and refuse to run away), but not stifled. Freedom lies in knowing the truth and working with it (cf John 8:32).
But truth is often the first casualty of any conflict, and after it has gone, there is neither integrity nor trustworthiness. Any fighting unit knows that if you cannot rely on your fellow soldier, the battle is all but lost. Truth is the essential ingredient in fellowship (not frenzied activity), and the only antidote to the devil's nerve gas of lies. But make sure you wear the real uniform. Truth is not manufactured or invented to suit the soldier's convenience. It is revealed by God: it is only 'regulation issue' when it is straight from the Bible. If we wear it properly, we (and many others) will benefit. If we reject it or wear it carelessly, we will suffer, the Lord's cause will be discredited and others will suffer.
Today is a great day to take truth from its Bible store and wear it. Do not let it get loose for a minute in the boardroom or on the shop floor, in the canteen or the project meeting. And keep it on in the informal conversations and after work - where your guard can often slip. The more you exercise truth, the more trustworthy you will become; with your fellow believers at work, and in the family and church. Like that, the banner of Jesus will move forward, and so will you!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Forgive me for ignoring Your truth; for being slow to put Your Word into action. Forgive me for bending Your truth to suit my desires, and for only using Your truth when it fits my plan. Help me to practice truth at work this week, that Christ-like integrity will shine through, You will be honoured and I will be protected. For Christ's sake. Amen.
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@WEph80 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2009 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on