Mindset

Ephesians 6:14-17

14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Examine / Explain

Isaiah 59:17 speaks of one coming with a breastplate of righteousness and a helmet of salvation. He was clothed in vengeance and zeal. A savior. And those found in Him are to carry on until He comes again. Wrapped in truth, bearing His righteousness, swiftly moving the gospel among the nations, a faith to never give up, and a mindset of salvation for all. The weapon and defense carried as the Word of God.

How do I apply this to my life?

What does it look like to walk out of a life that is grounded and centered in the savior of the world? Do I seek out the truth? Am I able to defend lies and accusations penetrating my thoughts? Do I bear His righteousness? I have none of my own. I am made righteous through my salvation. A salvation mindset to move and spread the good news of salvation to all those around me. Is my heart ready to move? I know it says the feet, but what steers my feet but my heart, soul, and mind. In my wanderings do speak about the one who has my soul? In my battles that require me to fend off flaming arrows, do I praise and exalt the one who holds my head in His hand? Do I only get frustrated and focused on this life not meeting my expectations and comforts, or do set my mind on the hope that is salvation? An eternity in the presence of the living God. Yes, salvation is not spending eternity in hell, but let’s look at it for what it is. Eternity in the presence of God. A devotion and dance within a perfect community, experiencing COMPLETE joy. And it takes that devotion to start now. Not later, but now. Am I wearing the armor correctly? Do I have areas exposed? My back! There is nothing mentioned about the back of a man who follows Christ. For we are to charge and move forward with no retreat in mind. But still, do I have holes in my breastplate? Are my shoes unlaced? Is my sword sharp? Is my mindset put on those who do not understand salvation? Where am I not meeting His expectations?

What is my response?

Father, help me take stock of my fruit. Where am I not meeting Your expectations and trying to meet my own? My flesh is weak and I lean to meet my own needs instead of meeting the needs of others. We are created to be relational. What relations are suffering and falling short because I am not correctly wearing my armor? The armor you have given me from day one. The armor that I have had to fumble with through life because I was never shown how to wear it. Who could I be teaching how to live this life? Who should I be teaching about Your armor? What relationships am I missing out on because I won’t move due to a heart stuck on internal wants? Expose what’s in the way. Change my heart, mind, and soul so I can live out what you have called me to. Not flashy, but consistently invest in relationships around me. Amen.