“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand firm.” 

Ephesians 6:13

Read Ephesians 6:10-17 

“Which present is your favorite?” Have you ever been asked this question? We’re told to be grateful for every gift we receive. But let’s be honest, there’s aways one we really wanted, that stands out above the rest. 

Reading about the armor of God in Ephesians 6 can feel like getting presents Christmas morning. We’re grateful for each piece of armor. We know each is needed to stand firm and live like Jesus. But, while we might not say it out loud, we know which one is our favorite. 

This piece of armor gets the most attention. It is the piece featured in the sermons we hear and work we do at our home church. It is the piece missing from the churches we don’t attend or pastors we disagree with. For example, the piece of armor might manifest as truth (sound doctrine), righteousness (right living), peace (reconciliation practice), faith (charismatic expression), salvation (evangelism focus), the word of God (sermon-style)…there’s always a favorite. 

Yet if we want to stand firm, we’re told to take up the whole armor of God. We don’t get to pick favorites and toss the other gifts of armor aside. It’s an all-or-nothing situation and each gift is essential. After all, it was God’s unwillingness to pick favorites that brought Jesus to this world. Jesus came for all people, to redeem all our messiness, to become part of our story. He didn’t pick and choose. He embraced it all! 

Our Father, help us to recognize each piece of armor for the gift it is. Through your Holy Spirit, help us set preference aside so we might stand firm and live like your Son.