More Than a Uniform: Putting on the Armour of God

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Photo by Henry Hustava on Unspash.com.

For those who are unsure, I've been in Melbourne since 03/02/2011, and I'll be here until this coming Friday. Some amazing things have happened, and there has been fun and laughter. It's amazing to see God's work here in Melbourne.

I woke up this morning after what I would call a weird dream. I dreamt it was a Youth Meeting at Floreat and I was preaching, when I preached I brought up the topic of the uniform (one of my loved peices of clothing) and what it represents and this got me thinking. (Oh, and by the way, Liesl and Ben, don't get any ideas yet... I don't want to preach at a youth meeting... yet 😛). The uniform, in my honest opinion, is a tool equipped to Senior Soldiers that everyone should use, but not everyone does. I come to church on a Sunday and can count more than 2 hands full of people in that room who are Senior Soldiers and don't wear their uniform, or don't wear it as often as they should.

I remember a while back on the YouthWA forum (when it was up), and there was a topic about the uniform. People made comments like, "I hate wearing my uniform as it's uncomfortable," and others like that. To that, I call it a silly excuse. Jesus, when he went through the desert with the cross on his shoulder, was NOT comfortable. Jesus, when he was on the cross dying for our sins, was not comfortable. Comfort shouldn't be an excuse for not wearing a uniform if we make a promise to God (in the covenant we sign) that we will, and keep the promises we make. When we become a Senior Soldier, we must adhere to a uniform.

I hate the fact that people don't wear the uniform. It's not the be-all and end-all; however, it is good if people at least try to wear it (esp. when a senior soldier). When I, personally, put my uniform on (and hopefully the same for others), I put on "the armour of god". The uniform consists of a belt, Black Pants, a white top (with epaulettes), a tie and black shoes and socks (and, in winter, the uniform jacket). This is exactly the same as the armour of god...

Belt of TRUTH - The belt I wear on my pants.
Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS - The uniform shirt and/or jacket.
Sandals of PEACE - Even tho they are not sandals, my black shoes count.
Shield of FAITH - Unsure about this part.
Helmet of SALVATION - Salvation Army Baseball Cap or the normal Cap
The victorious Sword of the Spirit - The bible.

Is it just me, or does the armour of God sound like the uniform given to Senior soldiers...? Belt, Breastplate, Sandals, Shield, Helmet, Sword. I pray this may challenge someone, as it's something God has been putting on my heart; not the first time I dreamt of this preaching [different scenarios]. but it is something I stand strongly for.

I will leave you with a message from the bible for today's Bible verse.


As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.

Psalm 42:1 (New International Version)

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