If a person wants to maintain their skillset, certification, or ability, they likely contribute significant measures of time, energy, and resources to stay sharp. For most people, the adage holds true: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Lapse in memory, skill, or proficiency often takes place over time due to inactivity. In the same way, spiritual dullness, dryness, or laziness often results from the same sort of idleness.
The Bible emphatically summons readers to wake up and warns believers to stay alert, because it is too easy to be blinded, impeded, or defeated by the enemy’s schemes.
“You know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime … put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh.” – Romans 13:11-13, 14
The only way to remain keenly aware, doctrinally sound, and humbly obedient is to be Spirit-filled and Scripture-saturated. Knowledge of the truth mitigates potential for error.
“I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” – 1 John 1:26-27
The Word is a weapon to wield in the battle.
“I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” – Psalm 119:11
“And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:17
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:15
The same source yields power, provision, and protection back at camp and on the frontlines. The “whole armor of God” includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.
And finally, without a doubt, effective soldiers must engage in constant communication with their commander. The directive is to pray “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” and to “keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
The Lord is a Warrior and Defender, King and Conqueror. He will not be crushed, nor those who stand with Him.
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” – 1 John 5:4-5
Abby
