Equipping Young Christian Soldiers: The Spiritual Armor of Believers
In the complex battle of faith, young Christians are constantly facing challenges that seem daunting. However, drawing inspiration from God's Word and ancient Roman soldiers, they can be well-equipped to face any spiritual foe.
The Importance of Being Well-Armed
As the Apostle Paul likened our lives as Christians to that of soldiers in a spiritual war, we are reminded that just as soldiers need armor to protect them in physical battles, Christians are empowered by spiritual armor to stand firm against the spiritual forces of darkness. Paul, perhaps influenced by the well-equipped Roman legionnaires, crafted his illustration around the various pieces of armor to illustrate the needs of the young Christian's spiritual life.
The Belt of Truth
Ephesians 6:14 – The belt of truth protects the soldier's waist, much like the divine truths in our lives protect us from spiritual harm caused by false teachings. John 8:31-32 and 1 John 4:1 encourage us to live by divine truths to ensure our stand is firm even against opposition.
Abigail, an 18-year-old, shares her experiences. 'Speaking the truth may not always seem worth it, especially when telling a lie can get you out of a difficult situation.' However, she also notes, 'I have a clean conscience before Jehovah, and my parents and my friends know that they can trust me.'
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Like a Roman soldier's breastplate that protected vital organs, the Christian's righteousness shields their heart from harm. Proverbs 4:23 symbolizes this protection. Even with imperfect judgment, we should not exchange God’s standards for our own because our judgment is flawed.
Young believers struggle to adhere to God’s standards, as seen in Daniel’s experience. 'Teachers and fellow students made fun of me because I live by Bible standards. For a while, I lost my confidence and felt depressed.' However, he eventually saw the benefits of living by Jehovah’s standards, witnessing how his peers struggled.
Feet Shod in Readiness to Declare the Good News of Peace
Ephesians 6:15 – The literal boots of a Roman soldier helped them move with confidence. Symbolically, the sandals of a Christian help them deliver the message of peace. Isaiah 52:7 and Romans 10:15 illustrate that witnessing to others requires courage. Bo, a 20-year-old, reflects on his decision to witness to his classmates, noting that he initially felt embarrassed but eventually felt happier for sharing the good news.
Conclusion
Just as Roman legionnaires were well-equipped with their armor, young Christians can be prepared for any spiritual challenges through the spiritual armor God provides. These pieces of armor – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sandals of readiness – ensure that their faith remains strong and their mission effective.