Health & Psychology | Spirituality

The Armor of God

What it means for all of us today, practically, in our modern lives

Armor is made to protect from those who mean to do it harm.

Disclaimer

I don’t want anyone to see this as a Christian thing. That is the last thing I want someone to get out of this. God is not a Christian and only here for those people who attend Sunday services. He is a spirit, the strongest of all spirits, and the creator of all in existence. All humans can benefit from self-development, therapy, art, science, and even a quiet moment, and so all can benefit from having armor (emotional or psychological).

But, one type of person can use this armor to its maximum capacity.

The Amor of God comes from Ephesians 6:10–18.

1. Helmet

Bible

The helmet according to the Bible is Salvation. Salvation is what protects us from sure separation from God after death. Salvation, I’m reluctant to say “true” salvation, covers the brain from injury or weakness. It gives the person the strength to push through.

In My Life

I can forge into battle knowing no one can get a headshot or that my head cannot be beaten. I am confident in who I am knowing Salvation protects me from Hell. I do not fear death anymore.

Psychology

No one should be able to influence you wrongly, incorrectly, or corruptingly. With the Helmet of Salvation, one’s future will not scare them.

2. Belt

Bible

In the Bible, the belt is known as the Belt of Truth. Truth holds the breastplate together, it creates unity. Out from what’s already been spoken comes our unsheaths weapons of warfare. For example, truth says that love is the greatest commandment. Anything that contradicts that is incorrect and means someone reached for a weapon and their belt was not there. Also means their pants probably have fallen down and their breastplate is loose.

In My Life

The Belt of Truth is high on God’s list. Hence why it’s part of the six armor pieces. The rest of what I want to say about truth I’ll put in the conclusion.

Psychology

When it comes to the brain, truth is very crucial. Truth builds up psychological strength and resilience and promotes growth. Truth does not offer any confusion.

3. Shin plates

Bible

The Bible describes the shin plates as the Shin Plates of Peace.

In My Life

In my life having peace is dependent on using my shin plates to block low blows that are intended to injure me or get me to lower my shield or weapon.

Psychology

Sometimes this can be referred to as “thick skin”. I refer to the psychology of victimhood. When someone is hurt (emotionally, physically, sexually, and/or psychologically) they will be flustered. Someone who feels trapped will reach for anything to make them feel in control again, even taking someone down with them as seen with rescue divers.

It’s different when we feel we are battling with our sword and shield, then feel a hit on the shin plates. Without shin plates, a hit in the shin will make you lose balance and lower your shield or weapon, opening up your head and chest. You will feel cheated or blindsided. With shin plates, you will feel confident when you feel that thump and you continue as though nothing happened — peace.

4. Sword

Bible

God only made one weapon of assault. This is called the Sword of the Spirit, also known as the Word of God. It’s less about “sword” and more about “weapons of warfare”.

In My Life

In my life, I have found that using the Word of God is the greatest weapon. Don’t let me lose you now, for those of you who hate the Bible.

Example

II Timothy 2:1–15, Paul wrote to Timothy while Paul was in prison.

“… be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying…

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

… If we die with him,

we will also live with him.

If we endure hardship,

we will reign with him.

If we deny him,

he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful,

he remains faithful…

Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

... Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk…

Psychology

The Word of God explains thousands of things and principles to live by. The only ones who dislike it are the ones who wish to live in opposition to it. I wish them the best.

Many people see the phrase, “I wish them the best” as rude or passive, but it’s really not. The Bible covers that, too. The Bible spoke about us brushing the dust off our shoes of a place our words were not taken seriously. In psychology, there is no reason to argue and definitely no benefit. We say, “I have been tested, therefore, trust me or not. Here is what I see, through many different lenses.”

We understand that many people talk a good talk, but the Bible covers that, also. If something doesn’t line up with the Word of God, pay it no attention or worry. Too easy.

5. Shield

Bible

This is the Shield of Faith.

In My Life

In my life, faith is most definitely a shield. After what I believe has gone through the gauntlet and proved true, there is nothing in this world that will get through and change it.

Hebrews 11:6, “And it is impossible to please God without faith.” I am more than happy to change my belief when words don’t come at me like an arrow and there is an opening for discussion — with someone who is willing to change, also. It’s all about what’s true.

Psychology

If someone’s shaky about a topic, then it might be that they are unsure about themselves or the information they have. Confidence is a principle of mental strength, but confidence without truth is arrogance.

6. Breastplate

Bible

This is the Breastplate of Righteousness.

Matthew 5:18-20

“I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you — unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

Romans 10:4

“For Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

In My Life

Since I have a heart toward God, I have the humility to learn God’s heart. The Breastplate of Righteousness is held on by Truth and it is the combination of Salvation, the Holy Spirit, Faith in Christ, and the heart of Peace. I do not believe one can have righteousness outside of any of the other 5.

To read all about righteousness:

Psychology

According to the Oxford Dictionary:

The quality of being morally right or justifiable.

righteousness”. en.oxforddictionaries.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.

Just as everyone who can afford a door with a lock will buy one, there is a moral statistic for the world. It is our responsibility to live by it.

Conclusion

All the pieces of the Armor of God are used together and make a person very strong!

Ephesians 4:11–16, New Living Translation (New Testament)

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, , the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

I am here to help equip people for the life ahead of them. It is a joy to see people and their families flourish!

Thank you for reading!! Thank you for your positive comments!!

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