Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 25th August and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

'Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.' (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Reflection:

What warlike imagery is this that St Paul is using? Is Christianity not a religion of peace? In Paul’s own days people would have seen Roman soldiers all the time. Paul is using the soldier’s armour as a metaphor, telling us to be prepared and protected as we go out into the world. The world, as Paul knew only too well, can be a harsh and bruising place. Not everyone wishes us well, not everyone wants to listen to ‘the gospel of peace’.

When we meet others, it is important that we exude peace, but also that we have prepared ourselves by being truthful, acting and thinking in a good way, and, as Paul says, carrying the ‘sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (=the Bible). Many people, even those who tick ‘Christian’ or ‘CofE’ on the Census form, do never read the Bible. Maybe it is time for you to dust off your copy from Sunday School, or find a modern translation, and give it a go? It is part of our everyday spiritual armour.

Revd Ylva