Introduction
We began the week by studying the armor of God, and today we conclude our practical teaching by moving beyond the concept of a checklist to the reality of a lifestyle. Spiritual readiness isn’t about performing a one-time ritual every morning; it’s about developing the spiritual habits and heart posture that keep us constantly abiding in Christ.
“Putting on the armor” is shorthand for living a life deeply rooted in the truth, righteousness, and peace of Jesus Christ. If spiritual warfare is the reality of the Christian life, then readiness must be our daily posture.
Readiness is Abiding
When Jesus taught about enduring faith, He used the metaphor of the vine and the branches (John 15:5). He said, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
Readiness for the fight is simply a synonym for abiding in Christ. If you are abiding—if you are spending time in the Word, praying, and walking in obedience—you are wearing the armor. The belt of truth is His truth, the breastplate is His righteousness, the sword is His Word.
When we fail to prepare, the enemy doesn’t have to attack us; he just waits for us to leave ourselves exposed. A lack of preparedness is often what allows the world to pull us, the flesh to tempt us, and the devil to lie to us. The key is consistent spiritual rhythm, not frantic, last-minute preparation.
Practical Habits for a Life of Readiness
How do we transform the spiritual disciplines into a lifestyle of readiness?
- 1. The Habit of Truthful Inventory: Readiness means continually checking what you are consuming. What are you reading, listening to, and watching? Is it building up the Belt of Truth or subtly wearing it down? Make it a daily habit to examine your thoughts and media consumption against the standard of Scripture.
- 2. The Habit of Immediate Confession: The moment the breastplate of righteousness is compromised by sin, we must immediately seek restoration. Don’t hide sin; hiding creates a foothold for the enemy. The moment you realize you’ve sinned, confess it to God (and to a trusted person if necessary) and receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Staying clean keeps your armor functional.
- 3. The Habit of Strategic Prayer: Don’t just pray when you are under attack; pray before the attack. Readiness means being proactive. Pray over your day, your work, your family, and your relationships before they begin. Praying at the outset is the most effective defence against the enemy’s schemes.
- 4. The Habit of Humility: Perhaps the greatest defence is the practice of humility. James 4:7-10 connects humility with victory: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Pride tells us we don’t need the armor, we don’t need the Word, and we don’t need the community. Humility says, “I am nothing, but Christ is everything, and I desperately need to be covered by Him.”
Conclusion
The way of the Warrior is not a dramatic sprint; it is a steady, disciplined, and prayerful walk alongside Jesus. A lifestyle of readiness is simply a life spent abiding in Him. When you are rooted in Christ, you are covered by His armor, wield His Sword, and are protected by His power. Stand firm. Stay alert. Live ready.
