December 14th, 2022.
As Christian leaders in the workplace, we’re called to show up differently from the rest of the world. At the same time, there are moments when our workplaces become spiritual battlefields, where we can be tempted to lean into our own power to get through some of the challenges we encounter. Looking at Ephesians 6, the Word is clear. God has provided us with the armor weneed to stand firm. To do that, we need to understand the armor God has given us for our workplace battles…
The Belt of Truth – Ephesians 6:10-14
It’s fitting that we begin here. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” As we walk into our workplaces each day, we need to show up with this as our foundation. Thinking about this through the lens of a modern-day soldier, for today’s elite warriors, their tactical belt is not an after thought. It is an essential piece of equipment that serves a multitude of purposes on the battlefields of life. For us, the belt of truth is the same.
The Breastplate of Righteousness – Ephesians 6:10-14
For Roman soldiers, their breastplate was critical to protecting their internal organs, specifically their heart. For today’s warriors, tactical vests do the same, eliminating some of their vulnerability to attack. As Christians in the workplace and at home, protecting our hearts and leading with righteousness is key to leading well. What’s righteousness? It’s our ability to live and lead in alignment with God’s divine will for us. It helps guide our decision-making, set goals, and walk with integrity daily.
The Shield of Faith – Ephesians 6:10-16
Alongside a soldier’s breastplate, being equipped with a shield is essential. As a Christian man in the workplace, especially one who is leading with their faith-forward, you will face attacks from culture on all sides.The devil will take every opportunity to challenge your authority as aman of God and try to minimize your influence. Ephesians 6 compares this to being attacked with fiery arrows. How do you deflect those attacks? As a shield, your faith won’t prevent the attacks but will provide you with God’s protection when those attacks come.
The Helmet of Salvation – Ephesians 6:10-17
As Christian men, in the workplace and at home, one of the main battlefields where Satan will attack you is in your mind. This is where our fight against pride, temptation, and fear begins. 2 Corinthians 10:5 is clear. The helmet of salvation allows us to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” As men who are working to take every thought captive, we can ensure that our leadership is pure and effective.
The Sword of the Spirit – Ephesians 6:10-17
As young men, many of us got excited when we picked up toy swords. As we got older, we set our weapons down and settled into our careers and lives. The attacks we face didn’t stop. In fact, they probably increased on some battlefields, but we found ourselves with no weapons to fight with. Picking back up the sword of the spirit equips us to protect ourselves,our destinies in Christ, and our families. So, what’s the sword of the spirit? It’s your Bible. Hebrews 4:12 tells us,“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The only way to wield this weapon in our lives is to open up our Bibles and spend time hearing from God.
Leading Well…
Guys, this is the armor that God has equipped you with. We all have access to it, but it only works if we use it. So today, think through this list and consider what pieces of armor you’re using and which pieces you’ve been neglecting. Your ability to lead depends on it.
Iron Sharpens Iron
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