Be strong, be alert

"With this in mind, be alert" Ephesians 6:18

We are a country that's always on the alert. Our train stations repeatedly play gory scenes of the Mumbai train bombing, to warn our commuters that there are people who mean evil to us, not good. We have police officers patrolling in groups of four, questioning lone men of their intentions. We are always updated on the latest terrorist captured, or killed.

In the natural, so in the spiritual. Are we on the alert, or are we asleep?

Are we aware that our struggle isn't so much in the natural, but in the spiritual?

Most important, are we strong in the Lord? Paul knows what being strong in the Lord is all about, and he enumerates seven points (Eph 6: 10-18):

1. Are we walking in truth? We can't be strong if we're living a lie, if our walk doesn't match our talk. If we're living a lie -- a life that lacks integrity -- that's a pretty big hole in the armour.

2. Are we walking in His righteousness, or self-righteousness? As the saying goes, Pride comes before a Fall. It's hard to define what walking in His righteousness is all about, but part of it is knowing that we aren't right all the time, and being open to correction. It's trusting Him to come through for us, when we are being attacked. Or gently stating our point of view when challenged, not taking things personally. Else, we may win the battle yet lose the war. Self-righteousness does that.

3. Do we have peace in our hearts? Are we at peace with God, with others, with ourselves? Are we willing to make peace with all parties, including ourselves?

4. Do we trust God? Do we trust Him to guide us to work things out, or do we strive to handle things ourselves because we doubt He's ever going to come through for us?

I have found that the more I strive to work things out, the worse things become. So I'm learning to let go and allow Him to guide.

5. Are we assured of our salvation? In other words, are we assured that we belong to Him? If you aren't, ask Him to come through for you in this area.

6. Do we know the Word of God? Have we read through the whole bible in context, from cover to cover? If you haven't, that's another big hole in the armour. You will be defenseless against the lies that come your way.

7. Do you have a prayerful heart? Do you lift up in prayer everything, big and small, to the Lord? Or do you believe He's too busy to be bothered with your prayers? That's another lie from the pit.

May all of us who know Him be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.