Strap on Your Armor.

"But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

I love this image of putting on armor. You put on armor to protect yourself, right? We strap on football pads before we walk out beneath the friday night lights, we put on a helmet before jumping on a skateboard, and we put on sunscreen before we hit the beach. We obviously recognize the importance of protecting our physical body; Paul is just urging us to apply that principle to our spiritual lives as well.

Christian author Max Lucado stated it well when he said, "No person should walk into the world to begin the day until he or she has stood beneath the cross to receive God's love."

As Christ followers, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to live in the light. Being a follower of Christ is not easy. But Christ is giving us something to help us through it - the armor and watchful protection of His love, faith, and the assurance of salvation that allows us to approach every situation with a clear mind.

Don't try to pile on armor of things that change - relationships, money, talent, or beauty. Set your sights on the One that will never change, approach the cross daily, and let your heavenly Father drench you in His protective love.