Picture it- You are a soldier in the military, and you are about to leave the barracks for the battlefield, where you are instructed to plunge into the center of the enemy! Before you leave. however, you must go to the supply room to make sure you are properly equipped. You must have the proper clothing and weapons in order to achieve victory. Knowing what awaits you on the battlefront, do you leave your helmet back at the base? How about your boots? Do you suppose you'll march very well without those? Or, how about if you take your boots, helmet, and bullet-proof vest but decide to leave your weapon behind. Will you have much success without that? Of course not! How foolish it would be for anyone to engage in warfare without taking full advantage of every resource available.
Sadly, there are many in the body of Christ who do not take advantage of every aspect of the "armor" that God has provided. They are not equipped to engage the enemy, which is why they avoid the battlefield altogether. Perhaps they are not aware that there is a battle going on at all .
Listen to the words of Scripture: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph 6:10-12
The war is real and the enemy is playing for keeps. We can ill afford to be ignorant of his devices. We ought to be always prepared to defend ourselves from his attacks. Hear the words of the apostle, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able ot withstand in the evil day, and having done all , to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins gird about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God..." Eph 6:13-16
Brothers and sisters, wear the full armor of God. You wouldn't go to war without the proper equipment, and you shouldn't wage spiritual warfare without being equipped either. If you desire to be used by God, you need to be protected by His armor. Don't go about it in your own strength.
See you on the streets!