Anyone But MeSmakprov

Faithful—Above All

The admonition from today's passage should make us pause. “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). Paul is telling us that faith is the most important weapon: take the shield of faith. Don’t leave it. Grab hold of it. You need it because it will quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one—every one of them. The arrows will come, but you will remain intact.

If someone fires the flaming arrow of perceived biblical error and I don’t have an immediate answer, my trust is in God. No need to panic. When I suffer, there is no need to panic. I trust that God still loves me. He is still on the throne, and my salvation is still secure. How do I know this? I believe the promises of God. That’s my impenetrable shield. My shield guards me from the fiery darts of fear and doubt.

The helmet of salvation and God’s Word go hand in hand with the shield of faith: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). My helmet protects my head from doubt. I know in whom I have believed. I am intentional to put on the whole armor exactly as God instructs me.

If I’m about to approach a stranger or open-air preach and fear and fury come at me like arrows, I don’t panic. I quench their fire by not thinking of myself but of the unsaved and their terrible fate. How do I know they are in eternal danger? I believe the Scriptures. I believe; therefore, I speak—without letting fear paralyze me.

We must remember to use our swords and our faithful words in a manner that is careful and precise (Proverbs 17:14). Be aware of this in your evangelism. If strife starts, stop the contention before it becomes catastrophic. Clear up misunderstandings. Don’t accuse anyone of anything. Be a peacemaker. Be quick to apologize. The Scriptures warn that if we guard our tongues, we will save ourselves a lot of pain: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).

Take up your sword, shield, and helmet. Get ready to fight but not as the world—with strife and contention. Fight, but fight faithfully.

Where do you see God’s faithfulness most evident in your life? Take time to recall where God showed His character of faithfulness to you.