Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
The Roman army was animated by this precept, “there is an imperfection of valor without skill and practice.” Accordingly, they drilled daily with wooden swords and shields practicing their close quarter combat tactics. Although this often resulted in bruises and broken skin, the practice saved many lives in actual enemy engagements. General Patton gave us this: “A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.” Perhaps we should give a more intimate embrace to the command of Jesus to “Make disciples”.
My life experiences have often demonstrated the critical nature of that precept in both natural and spiritual warfare. I have “put on the full armor” for actual combat hundreds of times and, trust me, every piece is essential. Even in scramble (emergency launch) conditions I quickly, but carefully, put on “the full armor”. Previous training on the function and use of each piece of gear, as well as the proper fitting, is necessary to ensure that the warrior is “one” with his armor…head to toe. No one would ever think of using another man’s armor, because it is your personal responsibility to maintain your armor.
As any fighter or athlete knows your stance is critical. That is probably why Paul mentions “stand” four times in Ephesians 6:11-14. Without taking our proper stance the enemy has a great tactical advantage. Putting on the full armor is critical…just be very conscious of your stance and your balance. Be mindful that having your spiritual hands in your pockets is not what Paul had in mind in verse 14, “Stand firm”.
Our shield of faith is certainly to be used defensively but the intention is not to hunker down behind our shield and take incoming arrows forever. Quite to the contrary, the shield of faith is an important offensive weapon that also protects us and enables us to push forward against the enemy. Picture “your” shield of faith being used with a mighty forearm thrust or linked with other shields on your left and your right as you advance “as one”. Now picture how vulnerable you (and your family) would be in this advance if you forgot your shield of faith, even in a scramble scenario. Without your shield, the value of your sword is minimized…and vice versa. Ponder that a moment! Spartan warriors left home to engage the enemy with this admonition from their mothers, “with it or on it”. This terse phrase told the warrior to return from battle carrying your shield or your corpse being carried on your shield.
The blade of the Roman sword (gladius) was only 22” long so it was not used to hack away in high extended arm swings. Such exaggerated swings were fatiguing and needlessly exposed the legionary torso. The Roman soldiers, whom Paul had carefully observed, drove the sword in short horizontal thrusts using twisting torso “body” strength for power. Now picture yourself operating in spiritual warfare with your shield of faith and sword of Truth operating in sync. That will encourage you and strike fear in the heart of the enemy per Romans 13:4.
The Roman breastplate, belt, and footwear had to be fitted properly because even those tough Romans were susceptible to chaffing and blisters. Ouch! Again, we have the warrior principle of being “one” with your armor and being comfortable in your gear. During daily inspections, the legionnaire would strike his breast plate with his fist and declare integritas, signifying that he was one with the legion and one with his armor. The centurion would observe the legionnaire closely and listen for a familiar ring signifying that the armor was maintained and fitted properly. If you haven’t suited up in a while the first critical moments of spiritual battle may be a bit awkward.
For example, let’s take your properly fitted footwear (vs. 15) The warrior must know the essential nature of peace governing his readiness to face the enemy in battle. Agitated, mad, emotional spiritual warriors are dangerous…not to the enemy but to themselves and their families. This is also very true in natural war. Emotionally driven warriors must be taken out of contact with the enemy, if possible, until they have regained their “peaceful” composure. In the heat of a firefight, I was able to retrieve a teammate.
We used to affectionately call our breast plate “chicken plate” which was a portable, ½” piece of composite material that pilots/copilots would place over their upper torso area when “going hot” or commencing an attack. Our breast plate of righteousness, our position in Christ, is a critical piece of body armor and is often unintentionally minimized. And yet, like our “chicken plate” it is often critical for survival in the heat of battle. Make sure that your breast plate is “in place”, over your heart.
In fact, the first piece of body armor we are issued is our personal helmet of salvation. Think about that a moment. Like our other armor, the helmet of salvation is designed to protect the warrior, especially as he advances against the enemy. Now picture yourself giving an occasional head butt as you advance, using your helmet as an offensive weapon. In combat, it is critical to have your chin strap tight…you must know that your helmet of salvation is secure. The Samurai knowing the importance of “helmet integrity” would say, keep your helmet strings tight. This was before Velcro and chin snaps.
Like the Roman warrior Paul used to illustrate a spiritual reality, we must never set aside our body armor for greater ease or comfort. We must take full measure of its weight, find comfort in its protective qualities, and develop great skill in offensive/defensive tactics. Remember these cardinal precepts: the use of any weapon, natural or spiritual, is an acquired skill; their use is, as well, a perishable skill; there is an imperfection of valor without skill and practice. Readiness for spiritual battle is a personal matter!
Barney Barnes, 9-30-2022, Promise Keepers National Ambassador for the Military and Prisons