Core scripture: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

Message: It is about now that it begins to happen.  The honeymoon period is over.  Second quarter is in full swing, and Satan is at work, trying to disrupt your classroom in any way possible.  Like a snake, he slithers into your classroom telling lies and sucking your energy away like a vacuum.  If not fully protected, the Christian teacher will begin to show signs of weakness.  We lose patience.  Negativity begins to spread.  The students see it, and they begin to act up.  Before you know it, Satan has control.

No more.  This does not have to happen.

Our church has been working its way through Ephesians.  While doing my own study on the armor of God last week, I began to wonder … how does this apply to my life at work?  How can we as Christian teachers put on the FULL armor of God every day to stand firm?  Here is the funny thing … I am not actually sure how this works!  Consider this blog a journal.  A way for us all to discover together how we can arm ourselves for battle.  Daily.  Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 are echoing in my head right now:

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

Let’s get started.

The belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14): Your belt holds everything together.  I literally forgot my belt one day a few weeks ago and felt like a fool.  God’s truth, His precious Word, is our belt.  Meditate on scripture throughout the day.  Use a Bible verse for your computer pass code.  Have a favorite scripture posted near your desk.  Without your belt, it all falls apart.

Shoes (Ephesians 6:15): When I think of the gospel of peace in our shoes, I think about the ways I walk.  Walk toward students in need.  Walk toward a colleague that needs support.  Let your words soothe and encourage them.  Give them the same peace that Jesus gives simply by caring.  When you care for others, that empathy will frighten the devil to even set foot around you.

The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16): The flaming arrows of the devil surround us all, yet our faith is our defense.  His arrows bring anxiety.  Worry.  Anger.  Frustration.  Negativity.  These arrows fall harmlessly to the ground if we block them out with faith.  Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”Guess what?  God will get us through!  Keep the faith.

We will let these thoughts marinate for now.  And do not fret.  I realize I still have two items to discuss for next week.  The helmet of salvation and our lone offensive weapon, the sword of the spirit, are soon to come.  In the meantime, continue to stand firm.  There will be no chinks in our armor this week.  And as Paul reminded Timothy, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).

Challenge: Read through Ephesians 6:10-20 on your own.  Reflect on your OWN interpretations of God’s Word here.  If you have any new ideas or interpretations, don’t be shy.  Reply below and share out.

Prayer: Father, I pray we can defend ourselves against the devil, standing firm in Your truth.  Amen.