Armor of God

If you haven't read part one click on this link, Spiritually Fit - No Foolin!

God's word tells us our battle is spiritual, not physical. How can we become spiritually strong? Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on the armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the devil, our enemy.

We are told to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness. Your feet should be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. We also need to take up the shied of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. Lastly, verse 18 tells us to pray in the Spirit on all occassions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

The bottom line:  Pray, pray, pray and Study, study, study the Word of God.  There's no other way to be prepared for the spiritual battles that will be occurring all the time around us.

Do you have a regimen of taking vitamins and exercising daily?  If you want optimal health you answered, "yes".

If you want spiritual health, your regimen must include daily reading and memorizing God's word, as well as praying all throughout the day.

Which regimen is more important?  Which one will improve your life the most?  They are both good, but one will take you into your eternal life healthy.

Longevity

A longtime neighbor and friend recently passed away.  He was in his late 80's and a Christian.

How did he live that long?  I wondered.  Did he eat well, exercise? Surely he aspired to be healthy.

Being healthy is on everyone's minds these days.  Eating well, and exercising are key words in 2011.  With so many answers out there, the only question is: Are we willing to follow the guidelines to good health?  It will require sacrifice, dying to self and even some temporary pain as we pursue longevity.

But like my neighbor, one day these bodies will give out, however, our spirit's will live on for eternity. Why isn't spiritual health a hot topic in mainstream media today? In light of eternity, shouldn't we be pursuing spiritual health?

According to Ephesians 6:11-12, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but with principalities and spiritual hosts of wickedness. We are told to put on the whole armor of God, in order to stand against our enemy, the evil one, in the day of trouble.

The only physical battle I can think of is to stay healthy so I live long on this earth.  Am I battling spiritually?  You bet I am!  I see the enemy attacking my family, my marriage, my friendships, my calling, my service, and even my mind.  How can I put on the armor of God? What does that really look like?

Come back on April 1st to find out how to put on God's armor, and how to stay spiritually fit for eternity.