We know that our Lord is the Logos, the Word of God. He left us His words so that we might learn them, embrace them, use them to guide us from darkness to Light, use them for strength in times of weakness.
In today’s Epistle to the people in Ephesus, St. Paul carries this imagery to its fullness. He describes this fullness of the concept of Christ as Word and uses the imagery to show us not a desire but a spiritual need to embrace and to be embraced by the Word.
He does this by describing the Word as ‘armor.’ What exactly is armor? Webster says it is “a defensive covering for the body.” When one looks at a picture of a person wearing armor, one is struck by the sense that there is no vulnerable portion left on the body. The entirety of the body is covered with protection such that arrows or swords could not penetrate it to do harm to the one wearing the armor.
All of these references to war and battle. Are they real? Is it beneficial for us to think in this way?
If it were not, Scripture would not be leading us in this direction!
Perhaps we don’t like thinking about it, but we are in a life and death battle—eternal life and eternal death! The extent to which we embrace our faith and seek to do the Lord’s will arms us against falling victim to the principalities and powers that St. Paul references—spiritual beings who are waging the spiritual war against us.
St. Anatoly of Optina teaches this: Are you fighting against your passions? Fight, fight, and be good soldiers of Christ! Do not give in to evil and do not be carried away by the weakness of the flesh. During the time of temptation, flee to the Physician, crying out with the Holy Church, our mother: ‘O God, number me with the thief, the harlot, and the publican (i.e. with the repentant) and save me!’
This is the prayer of one wearing the aforementioned armor, and asking the Lord’s blessing to make it effective in protecting us from all temptation and deceit.
Another aspect of a warrior is that they train for battle, so that when the enemy comes, they know how best to respond. What is the equivalent to this for us?
Our “training” is defined for us by St. Paul. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Our preparation for battle is being armed with a firm understanding of Holy Scripture.
We need to read. More than this, we need to absorb what we read. It does not help to possess a tool if we do not know where to find it or how to use it!
Mostly, do not fear. Our Lord has already overcome our enemy, and in His love for us, He stands to help all who call on Him in faith and in love. St. Theophan teaches this:
You must never be afraid, if you are troubled by a flood of thoughts, that the enemy is too strong against you, that his attacks are never ending, that the war will last for your lifetime, and that you cannot avoid incessant downfalls of all kinds. Know that our enemies, with all their wiles, are in the hands of our Divine Commander, our Lord Jesus Christ, for Whose honor and glory you are waging war. Since He Himself leads you into battle, He will certainly not suffer your enemies to use violence against you and overcome you, if you do not yourself cross over to their side with your will. He will Himself fight for you and will deliver your enemies into your hands, when He wills and as He wills, as it is written: ‘The Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you, and to give up your enemies before you.’ (Deut 22:14)
Live in Christ. Live without fear. Live seeking to do His will.
And fight the good fight!!
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