I’ve most likely read Ephesians 6 two hundred times or more. It’s such a great, visual passage. Can’t you see the clothing we are to put on? Helmet, Kevlar vest, utility belt, steel-toed boots, carry a shield and a shiny sword. We are to actively and intentionally put on these garments. Dressed, we become the epitome of conquerors. Protected, ready. But, ready to do what? Here’s the total surprise in this passage. It doesn’t tell us to dress and then go out and attack. Lately as If read this passage it has become clear to me that there is to be no aggression. We aren’t dressed in God’s armor with attack in mind. Nope. Look closely and you’ll see what I mean. The only jobs that we are given in this passage after donning the armor are these: readiness for peace, putting out flames aimed at us, and to stand. Stand? Really? I’m dressed in all this cool gear and all I’m supposed to do is stand?
That’s the rub, isn’t it? Because standing your ground when the world is attacking seems cowardly but is actually really difficult. It’s easier to be mad and retaliate or roll up into a little ball and surrender. It’s definitely more satisfying to lash out. Standing is harder. Can be impossible. Just ask Chick-fil-a, who have had some trouble lately holding their founder’s beliefs in the face of assault. Just ask the United Methodist Church members who are choosing to split their denomination as opposed to give in to wrong. Go ahead, ask Franklin Graham. He was attacked in recent days for scheduling a tour in Europe. A group is trying to ban him from speaking, calling him a hater. Yes, Franklin Graham knows a lot about standing this week. He didn’t lash out. He didn’t back down. With quiet, confident love he wrote an open letter to the group, telling them the Good News of Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and offer of salvation. He assured them that , “ I’m not coming to the UK to speak against anybody, I’m coming to speak for everybody. The Gospel is inclusive. I’m not coming out of hate, I’m coming out of love.”
Stand. Just stand. State The Truth (as opposed to my truth or your truth) in gentle boldness. Then just stand and know that God is God, he is eternal, He is powerful, and that He’s already won.
