Nobody Plays Without Shoulder Pads

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12
 
Do you know who you’re really fighting?
 
Nobody would ever walk onto a college football field without shoulder pads and a helmet. They know somebody on the other side is getting ready to hit them. And let me tell you something. Satan is getting ready to hit you. He’ll hit you at your weakest point, and he’ll try to hit you at your strongest point too.
 
That’s why Paul tells the Thessalonians to live completely suited up, with faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. That’s a picture of someone ready for battle. The breastplate protects your vital organs. The helmet protects your mind, and you need to know in your mind that you belong to Christ.
 
But I want you to notice who the enemy is. You’re not at war with the Democrats, the Republicans, or the Independents. You’re not at war with the government or the neighbor who annoys you. Paul says we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood. Your battle is against the evil one, who will try to take you out at any turn in the journey.
 
Many believers spend all their energy fighting people while the real enemy walks right through the front door. We get angry at the person, and meanwhile the devil laughs.
 
So suit up. Guard your mind, because whatever you let into it will eventually affect what you do. Be careful what you watch.
 
Here’s your assignment. Think of one person you’ve been treating like your enemy. It might be a family member, a coworker, or somebody on the other side of a political issue. Pray for them by name today. Then look at your own life and ask, “Where is the real enemy trying to hit me?” Put on your gear there.