"Dear Father, help us to read Your Word, meditate on it, and apply it to our lives this day. Amen."
James 4:6-8
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
What do these verses have to do with putting on the Armor of God?
“He gives us more grace…” He is such a loving Father, and He knows that we are constantly in a battle against the forces of evil. So, He has provided a gracious answer to fighting this battle – the armor. Every piece He meant for us to put on. He Graciously covers every part of our heart, soul, and mind. And to refuse this Gracious gift of protection against the enemy makes no sense. That is like buying a home that is fully equipped with a security system – but not learning how to turn it on! Or learning how to use it - but being too lazy to set it as we go out the door. It’s there to be used as protection – but it must be engaged.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble…. Submit yourselves, then to God…”
How am I being "proud" by not putting on the armor God provided? Is it pride that thinks "I don’t need it? Am I "proud" by minimizing the spiritual battle going on around me and to me? Am I "proud" by thinking I can do all of the fighting on my own? If God has told me to put on the armor – yet I don’t “bother” – is that a form of pride?
Is it being humble to admit that I need help – and then take the warning seriously and put on the armor?
By being humble enough to receive the Gift of armor that God has given me – and put it on – trusting Him to take care of me – is that “humbleness?”
Is it pride and a lack of submission to be too busy to bother to put on the armor? I wouldn’t step out the door without clothes on, shoes on, teeth brushed, hair combed, with my glasses, car keys, money, and purse in hand. So why have I gone for so many years without putting on the Armor of God? Is hearing the Word, then Obeying Him by putting on the armor an act of "submission?" Does putting on the armor every day equal "submission?" Is that what this means?
“Resist the devil and he will flee from you…” On my own, I cannot stand against the devil and his wicked schemes against me. I will not be able to resist him for long. He will have no reason to flee from me just by myself. I need God’s armor in order to resist him. With the armor on, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, he must flee.
So, I think God is teaching me today, that when I do not heed His warning and put on the Armor He has graciously given to me - I am being proud. And He resists the proud. If I am under attack, I certainly don't want Him to resist me! I need Him on my side! I need Him in this battle. So, I willingly submit all reasons of laziness, apathy, ignorance, and pride, and I commit to daily putting on His amazing armor - custom fit for me this day! Thank You, Father. Amen!
-dawn
(what are these verses saying to you this day about pride and submission in regards to the Armor?)