My children loved to play outside when they were little.

I can remember many days when they would emerge from their bedrooms and excitedly head for the door that opened to our backyard and a world of adventures.

Many times, their clothing was disheveled (having been put on in a hurry) and their shoes were barely tied.

It wasn’t uncommon for one or both of my daughters to lose a shoe in mid-play because their footwear hadn’t been laced up tight.

Which, of course, meant stopping the exploratory adventures or trampoline flips to slide their shoes back on and hopefully tie them more thoroughly this time.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve done this very thing with my spiritual armor.

In my haste to jump into my day, tackle everything on my list, and accomplish all the things I need to do, I don’t always take the time to lace up my armor the way I need to.

Ephesians 6:13 tells us to “…put on the whole armor of God…”

Verses 14-17 goes on to give us a complete list of protective pieces that, if put on well, will help us “…stand against the schemes of the devil.” (vs.11)

Daily, the enemy attacks in a variety of ways. And when I don’t take the time to affix my armor completely, I am left exposed and vulnerable to his cunning assaults.

Doubts about who I am in Christ can get into my head if I haven’t put on my helmet of salvation firmly.

Without the breastplate of righteousness secured to protect my heart, I’m more susceptible to the enemy’s lies that tempt me to gain God’s approval through my good works.

And, if I don’t put my God-given Gospel shoes on, there’s no telling what manner of Kristen the people I meet will encounter (I can assure you, though, it wouldn’t be the Kristen who would reflect God’s heart of peace and hope).

The belt of truth, the shield of faith, and the sword of His Spirit are also pieces that I can’t afford to live without but often have due to my hurried pace and overextended schedule.

God knew what He was doing when He provided us with this spiritually-effective armor.

We only need to ensure we put it on thoroughly and use it well to enjoy a life filled with His peace, His abiding presence, and the abundance of His glory.

Let’s not rush out the door without tightening those straps and tying those laces up well today!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!