A commitment to Christ is a decision to follow Him at all costs. Every activity, interaction, and thought becomes a choice for Jesus or self. With each daily decision point, you draw a line in the sand and announce, “I’m staying with Jesus.”
When we declare we are with Christ, we become an enemy of the evil one and his plans to trap us in sin. As Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12, “We are fighting against the power of this dark world.” (NIV) Some days it’s an internal struggle, other days an external fight with temptation in the world. Either way the battles are sure to come.
Paul instructs us in Ephesians 6:13 to be ready for these scuffles by putting on the full armor of God. He tells us to prepare ahead of time to “stand your ground” against the evil in this world. Paul gives us a visual picture of a soldier suiting up for battle with the weapons of the faith: the belt of God’s truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of readiness, shield of faith and the sword of the spirit. It’s a conscious act of protecting your decision to follow Christ.
Then there is the secret weapon that Paul writes about in Ephesians 6:18, prayer. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” In prayer you will feel Christ gently take your hand and say, “follow me.” His grip of truth is far stronger than the lies of the world that try to take hold of you.
© 2010 CGThelen
#Retrospective – This post originally published March 12, 2010.
140 Character Christian 
Amen! Ephesians 6:10-17 lays out the battle plan to follow with the internal and external struggles we all face. I appreciate you reposting this discussion.
Good companion verse for this post. Thanks for the comment. Blessings
AMEN! God’s grace is greater than the lies of the enemy.
Praise God! Blessings.
I find it good to regularly revisit the commitment and be strengthened by His grace.
Truly we are now in a battle for our souls. I have written in the front of my Bible. The Bible says it. I believe it, and that settles it. Have unshaken faith in Gods Word no matter what. It is always consistent before , now and in the future. It makes it easier when confonted with discussions that try to bring doubt or confusion to just tell people that this is why I believe the Word shows me and the Holy Spirit confirms it and Jesus showed it. Any discussion contrary to that is not accepted by me.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Truly this is a battle. It’s good to remember God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Indeed, the Holy Spirit confirms it and Jesus showed it!