Stay Protected

The hot, humid days of summer are officially here. With daylight hours at their peak, I'm drawn to a multitude of outdoor projects that clamor for my attention. Weeding, planting, upkeep and maintenance could keep me outdoors 24/7. Can anyone relate?

These days, I'm much more conscious of slathering on the sunscreen before I head outside. A timely trip to the dermatologist last week, reminded me of the importance of protecting my skin. Fortunately my doctor caught a suspicious looking mole before it reached the cancerous stage. Since skin cancer doesn't run in my family, I never thought I would have to worry about it. But now that I'm armed with the facts, I am grateful for sunscreen that boasts an SPF of 30. When I follow the directions and apply it properly, my skin is protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

I'm reminded that protection is really important in other areas of my life as well. Not only is my physical body vulnerable to harmful influences, but so is my spirit. So how do I go about protecting myself? Whether I want to admit it, or not, I am involved in a battle. The Apostle Paul does a good job describing our enemy, "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," (Ephesians 6:12; KJV).

Fortunately, Paul doesn't stop there. He carefully details the protective armor I'll need to wear in order to win the fight. "Stand therefore, having your loins girt 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 ye 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," (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Sunscreen is pretty effective in protecting my skin from sunburn - if I use it correctly. Spiritual success is guaranteed when I submit to God and put on the armor He outlines, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand," (Ephesians 6:13).The Apostle James' words reinforce this promise, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you," (James 4:7, emphasis mine).   

So before you liberally apply the sunscreen and tackle those summer projects, remember to dress your spirit with the armor of God. There's a much more important battle going on than the one waged against your skin. With God's armor in place, you're guaranteed a spiritual victory!

Are you aware of the spiritual battle going on around you? Have you clothed yourself with the armor of God so you'll be able to stand today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing me the importance of taking care of myself both physically and spiritually. Help me to put on Your armor every day, so I can stand against the devil. How wonderful to know that You'll give the victory when I'm obedient to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.