Devotion • August 22
Today's Scripture
Ephesians 6:10–20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. (NRSV)
Reflection
Paul in this passage exhorts Christians to put on the armor of God and to remain righteous and resist evil. I find that this passage is most meaningful when the larger emphasis of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is considered.
In exhorting Christians to follow Christ, Paul’s message to the Ephesians is that the love of Christ should permeate every aspect of their lives and prompt them to serve each other in love despite their differences. Paul is adamant that the love of Christ can overcome divisions, which is as challenging today, given the polarization within our world, as it was in Paul’s context.
Ephesus was the commercial, religious, and intellectual center of the Roman province of Asia and home to the temple of Artemis. If you go to the ruins today you can see the diversity (differences indeed!) and cross-pollination of Christian symbolism with other mythologies. Ephesus was a diverse city. Paul wished to see the love of Christ realized in a diverse environment.
Paul stressed the importance of our transformation in Christ, and how it is realized in our character. Character matters to Paul, as does the righteousness that fortifies the Christian to persevere through adversity. Furthermore, Paul suggests that Christians could model important aspects of character and righteousness through the steadfastness of their love, honesty, generosity, and integrity.
These traits not only attest to one’s character but to what the love of Christ is accomplishing in us. This passage inspires confidence that we too, through our continued efforts and the grace of God, can embody these virtues in ourselves and call them forth from others.
Prayer
Gracious God, be ever with us as we seek to walk the path of righteousness, forgive us for the times we fail, and renew in us a clean heart to be dedicated to you in all things. Amen.
Written by John Moulder, Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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