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GET DRESSED!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

Ephesians 6:10-18

 

“…putting on the breastplate

of faith and love…”

 

GET DRESSED!
 
To further extend the metaphor, one more step that one does after waking up and getting ready for the day is to get dressed. Each morning, we get changed into clothes that are suitable for the day, ready for whatever activity it is that we have planned. As responsible adults, we know the importance of dressing appropriately. We do not turn up for work in our pyjamas, neither do we hit the gym with a suit and tie.
 
The spiritual garb that we (who are of the light and of the day) ought to put on must be suitable armaments that equip us for the spiritual warfare. It is “the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (1 Thess 5:8). These are the “work clothes” that we need to be an effective soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ. The two items of the armour of God that Paul chose to highlight are necessary aspects of our Christian life that enable us to watch and be sober as children of the day.
 
First, there is “the breastplate of faith and love” that protects our heart and directs it towards Christ. Having faith and love is what motivates our work of faith and labour of love. It enables us to live for Christ and labour for Him. Because we trust Him and love Him, we shall not lapse back into sleep, but will seek to obey His Word and do all for the glory of God.
 
Then, on the head is the helmet of the hope of salvation. Hope is what protects and aligns our mind and thoughts, directing us to set our affections on the coming of the Lord with the patience of hope. This prevents us from being caught up with the cares and worries of the world. Instead, we look forward to the fruition of our salvation, of eternity in heaven with God. Confident in our hope of salvation, we will not be distracted by the dazzling temptations that abound, but we will look always to Christ in all things.
 
Protected with the armour of faith, love and hope, we will be able to watch and be sober, and stand firm against the wiles of the Devil.
 
THOUGHT: Do I have the work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope in my Lord Jesus Christ? (1 Thess 1:3)

PRAYER: Help me, Father, to be strong in the power of Thy might.

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