SEPTEMBER 29, Ephesians 6:10-12

Most of us don’t like cockroaches and want to get rid of them. But cockroaches are not afraid of you; they are afraid of Baygon or some other insecticides. To be effective against a cockroach, we usually have to use insecticides like Baygon.

In the same way, the dark spiritual forces on the side of Satan are not afraid of us! So what are they afraid of? Jesus and God! And what has God given us to fight these spiritual battles? The spiritual armor! We will learn more about different aspects of the armour tomorrow.

Christian living is definitely not easy. It is, in fact, a real battle. It is true that none of you has ever been in a battle. You are all too young or not born yet when world wars happened. But in the early 1940s, our country was invaded by Japanese and there were real battles in the land. What is the life of a soldier at war like? He carries his weapons day and night. His every waking thought is to look out for the enemy and to fight when he sees one. His eating, sleeping and relaxing are to serve one purpose- to strengthen himself for war. There is no time he ceases to be a soldier.

A Christian must be strong. Paul encourages the Ephesians to ‘be strong in the Lord’. The strength is divine strength, not physical strength. It is the strength that is from the Lord. Having strong muscles don’t make you a strong Christian. Christians have the armor of God to fight spiritual battles. When darts which are fiery are shot at you, you are to stand the ground. When enemies charge at you with swords, you fight back with arms.

The Gospel is under attack. The world does not like to think that only Jesus saves, and think God loves everyone and will save anyone no matter what religion as long as he does good deeds. The world likes to think that all ways lead to God and to Heaven. This is not the Gospel.

It is a fierce battle. What shall we do? What can you do, young reader? Around you are your unbelieving parents, relatives and friends. You can win the battle with the strength from the Lord.

Thought: How to be a good Christian soldier?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I have relatives and friends who are not saved yet. They do not know You and the gospel of your saving grace. Help me to pray for them and reach out to them. Heavenly Father, have mercy on them and give them Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.