Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Ephesians 6:13, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

This morning, there are many that think Christianity and being a Christian is synonymous with being a pacifist. The world thinks that disciples of Christ should not hold to capital punishment, warfare, or anything that causes death or harm to another individual. However, God's Word repeatedly refers to a Christian walk as one of warfare. It refers to soldiering, and the Bible most certainly upholds capital punishment in the form of judgment and justice. Therefore, if someone thinks that disciples of Christ should not support war, then they have not fully read or understood the truth of God's Word.

Paul tells us to take unto ourselves the armour of God. Now, the armour that we are to take is that which is given to us by the Almighty. We cannot take unto ourselves that which we think or want or desire. Many times, people think that "God wants me to be happy." Or, "God wants me to be myself." In the first place, God does not want or need anything. God does have desires that are ALWAYS fulfilled and accomplished. He has done, does, and will continue to do whatsoever pleases Him, and our walk does not thwart His desires in the slightest. However, it is pleasing to Him when we walk aright, and take unto ourselves the things that He has prepared.

Therefore, there is some putting on that we must do. When God bestows things, there are some things that He bestows that we have without the putting of anything on (the new birth being a good example). The Lord gives us a new Spirit and heart without us doing anything. However, there are other things that He gives that we must work to use and enjoy. The church is a good example. The Lord has given us the church in this world to occupy and labour in. However, there are many of the Lord's children that never enjoy this rich pasture and labour of love. The armour is the same. Each child of God has the ability to put the armour on, but sadly, many do not. The reason it is evident that they do not is because they have their faith overturned, being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and doubt the One who has done all for them.

This armour that is given for our use is complete in every fashion to keep us from harm. In the following verses, there is no body part that is left uncovered (for the end shows the legs covered being bent in prayer), and the Lord, once again, throughly furnishes us with the things that we stand in need of. Finally, each of these pieces of armour has a practical and spiritual application. For, each of these pieces has a use for that part of the body, but they also point (spiritually) to an attribute or work of Christ that He accomplished.

Therefore, we can see that we are spiritually redeemed each and every part of us (body, soul, and spirit). And also, each piece can practically protect us while we sojourn in this low ground of sin and sorrow. We will, Lord willing, address each piece of armour, its practical use, and spiritual application in some continuing morning thoughts.

In Hope,

Bro Philip