"Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take
your stand against the devil's schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11 NIV)
Notice that there are three people in this
conversation: God, the devil and yourself.
If you stand with the devil, you will not use the
armor of God. You will say, “I can do it by myself!”
At the time this devotional was written we are in
big trouble. HIV19 is attacking everyone in our world. People die.
Unfortunately many aren’t taking precautions. One lady who tested positive
and was in quarantine decided her rights were being violated and she went
out of her home. She wanted to have fun, and a result, who knows how many
innocent people, some of which could very well die of the disease, were
infected. Is that love? No way! She was following the devil.
Unfortunately, she isn’t the only one. Many
throughout the world seem to have the attitude of, “I don’t care”. Someone
we know was infected because someone returned from foreign travel with a
“cold” and came into the store where this person worked. This “I don’t care
about anyone but myself” attitude will only serve to infect and possibly
kill many, many more people.
When we care only
about ourselves and not about others, we are
opening the door for evil. My brother, who was showcased earlier in this
series, displayed this attitude of not caring about anyone but himself.
Though many reached out to him and tried to guide him back to truth, he
didn’t care. As a result, he died alone with alcohol and magazines.
Is that OK? Why would someone choose evil?
It is because they do not know and/or do not care
about our Heavenly Father who loves each of us with an infinite,
indescribable love.
How can we be protected from developing this
oh-so-common attitude?
Our Heavenly Father gives us our full armor. Our
Father cares for us, but the devil hates us. Why would you want to be with
the devil? Pain will come when you don't follow our Heavenly Father.
Enjoy this bible verse: "And
the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians
4:7 ESV)
Beginning on Friday, we will be looking at
each of the pieces of armor that God has given for our protection. Please
join us then!
In His love,
Rob Chaffart