Recently a holiday was celebrated with costumes and candy and it got me thinking. Children often play dress up. It is part of how they learn. But little children who wear the costumes of different professions aren't yet what they may become but aspire to be. Like those precious little ones we should aspire to grow in the grace and beauty of our Savior.
As we think about the spiritual armor we also need to consider that learning about the armor is a big part of learning how to walk in the spirit. We need to learn about the belt of truth, the breast plate of righteousness and all of the implements of the armor. (See Ephesians 6:1-18)
For many years I would diligently visualize putting on each piece, yet the fruit of the Spirit was at best sporadic. It was like putting on a costume but over time as I have learned more about the armor I realize that while our lives do change when we follow Christ, growth takes time.
These thoughts may help.
1.If you are discouraged because you aren't exhibiting the fruit of the spirit don't be under condemnation. That is from the devil! (See Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.)
2. Draw close to the Lord. He will draw close to you. James 4:7-8 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
3. Ask Him to teach you. 26 (John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.)
4. Memorize scripture. (Psalm 119:11 Your word I have written on my heart that I may not sin against you.) Realize that the Holy Spirit can't bring to your mind what you have no memory of. We must give Him something to work with.
5. When you blow it don't give up! Nobody is perfect. (1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to cleans us our sins and forgive us of all unrighteousness.)
Also I highly recommend using a journal to pray and record answers and insights. Those tools have served me well.
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
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