By: Chaplain Ruth Cunning
Previously I wrote about verses 10-12 of Ephesians Chapter 6. Now I am writing about verse 13: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all, to stand.”
First it is paramount that you pick up and put on the “whole armor of God.” God has issued you the outfit and equipped you with the weapons and tools that you’ll need to fight against your foes—but it’s your responsibility to wear them and use them!
Luke 12:48 – To whom much is given, much will be required.
This is a requirement…this is mandatory! It’s for our own PROTECTION.
Next let’s look at the word WITHSTAND: To vigorously oppose; bravely resist; stand face-to- face against an adversary; standing your ground.
King David was the commanding officer of Israel’s army. Israel was at war—and David was supposed to be present with his men on the battlefield. However, he slipped off his soldier’s uniform and slipped into bed with Bathsheba!!! He FELL into adultery with a married woman. In like manner, recently a highly-decorated American 4-star general also let down his guard and FELL into bed— dishonoring his position and his country. Just like “Humpty Dumpty, [who] sat on a wall— [they both] had a great FALL!”
Now let’s look at the word STAND: Stand fast in the faith; in one’s spirit; the willing subject of the Lord’s authority. To take one’s stand; place oneself; stand by; stand still; stand firm.
A good soldier WAITS for the order to be given before he moves forward or marches into battle. He doesn’t rush ahead, lag behind, or go his own way! Often soldiers are told to stand guard, or stand watch, which means they’re not to fall asleep on duty or leave their post. They’re to be alert—watching for the enemy.
A good soldier is disciplined, devoted, and faithfully follows orders. The Centurion soldier, spoken of in Matthew 8:5-13, who went to Jesus requesting healing for his servant, said this: [Jesus said he would come and heal the servant, but the Centurion replied] “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only SPEAK a WORD, and my servant will be healed. I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to him: “I have not found such great FAITH, not even in Israel.”
DISOBEY…and you PAY!!! Disobey and it will cost you. King David and Bathsheba’s baby (that was birthed in sin, out of wedlock, and due to an affair) died! The 4-star general lost an impeccable reputation.
David left his post and FELL for comfort rather than STANDING at his post! The 4-star general FELL when he dishonored his position.
The bigger they are…the harder they fall… and GREAT was their fall! If you puff yourself up with PRIDE, disobey what The Word has to say, or fail to sit under God’s authority—you will FALL!
Therefore, “Watch, STAND fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in
love…STAND fast in the Lord.” [I Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 4:1]
