Dealing with the enemy is not a power encounter; it is a truth encounter. You can not expect God to protect you from enemies influences if you do not take an active part in his prepared strategy. The armor that we must take up to protect ourselves from the enemies attack, the first three are established because of our identity in the Savior, the last three help us continue to win the battle. It is critical that when we put on the armor of God, we start with the belt of truth. If the enemy can deceive us into believing a lie, they can control our life in that area. It’s absolutely vital that we put on the breastplate of righteousness so that we can resist the persistent accusations of enemy, they never give up trying to get us down and keep us down by hurling one false accusation after another. We put on the shoes of peace because we are to forgive as we have been forgiven, and we must base our relationships with others on the same criteria. If we fail to speak the truth in love and manage our emotions, anger which turns to bitterness and unforgiveness is an open invitation to enemy.

The important process of renewing our mind includes managing our emotions by managing our thoughts and perceptions. The enemy are always hurling their fiery darts of fear, doubt and worry in our direction, but the only time they can hit us is when we let our shield of faith down. The fact that the helmet is related to salvation indicates that their blows are directed at the believer’s security and assurance of being placed into the Savior. This helmet covers our mind, intellect or reasoning. The two dangerous edges of the enemies broadsword are discouragement and doubt. In addition to believing it and thinking it, the Word of God is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the list of armor. If you are going to resist the enemy, you must do so outwardly so they can understand you and be put to flight. That is why Paul insists that we be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The enemy have no power over us except what we give them by failing to take every thought captive and thus being deceived into believing their lies.

Beautifully, truthfully written...and blessed post.