Over the years, I have purchased hockey equipment, soccer cleats, basketball shoes, baseball pants and hats, and more for my children growing up. I also learned that the longer they played a sport, the higher the costs of equipment went up. Our son outgrew his basketball shoes every six months as his feet continued to grow. Then, when he moved up from house league to competitive basketball, he asked for a new shoe that was popular but didn't have ankle support. Against our better judgment, we bought a pair and soon realized as we iced his ankle that it wasn't the best decision to buy those shoes. We should have bought the better equipment instead.

Paul taught that if Christians want to be equipped for spiritual warfare, they need the best equipment. To live into the fullness of God in our lives, we need to understand each piece of equipment and how to use it.

When I look at the armor Paul describes, I realize I am looking at a picture of Jesus. Jesus is the truth (belt of truth), and he is our righteousness and our peace (breastplate and shoes). The reason we have faith is through his faithfulness to us (shield of faith). And he is our salvation as well as the living Word (helmet and sword).

If we are equipped with the full character and blessings of Christ, we have the full armor of God to help us stand.