Guided Missiles

As we fight the spiritual battle, we need spiritual weaponry.

Let's consider our shield. The apostle Paul writes, "above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16).

The words above all mean that faith is of paramount importance. The other armor won't function apart from faith.

The shields that Roman soldiers would use were made of wood and then covered with cloth and leather. They were large, rectangular objects about four feet high and two feet wide. By crouching behind it, the soldier could completely hide himself.

The term fiery darts that Paul uses refers to one of the most commonly-used enemy tactics of his day. Prior to a face-to-face engagement with the enemy, a warrior would often encounter a barrage of flaming arrows coming from all directions. Their sole purpose was to demoralize and confuse him.

Our modern equivalent might be guided missiles or rockets.

The Roman soldier had to hold up his shield to protect himself from those fiery arrows. Sometimes, he would dip his shield in water so the fire-tipped arrows would be extinguished when they struck the shield.

Satan has his "flaming arrows," or "guided missiles," which he shoots our way. They are swift and silent and we receive no advance warning of their arrival. You can wake up in the morning, and the enemy will hit you with a flaming arrow before your feet even hit the floor.

It might be an impure thought or a thought of complete despair. You may be gripped with intense fear and terror. "What if this happens, or if that happens?"

It might be a thought of hatred toward someone. It might even be a blasphemous thought or a thought of doubt.

When do these "flaming arrows" come? At strategic times—like when you decide to read the Bible.

Isn't it amazing that you can open the newspaper and maintain your full ability to concentrate with no distractions? You can get through the whole thing—the want ads, the comics, and all the advertisements—with no disruption whatsoever.

Or you may watch some mindless TV program and you'll get through it with no phone calls, no distractions, and no problems.

When We Put God First

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

— Matthew 6:33

 

When Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne after his father died, he was overwhelmed by the task at hand. So he prayed, and God appeared to him in a dream and told him, "Ask! What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5).

If God appeared to you tonight and told you to ask for whatever you wanted, what would you pray for? Fortunately, Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God's people: "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" (1 Kings 3:9).

Because he had not asked for a long life, riches, or even the death of his enemies, God told Solomon He would give him just what he requested and more: "And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days" (1 Kings 3:13).

Solomon had his priorities in order. He sought God's kingdom first, and all of those things were added to him.

And when we put God and His kingdom first, our lives will find the proper balance as well. When Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you," what things was He speaking of? In context, these "things" are what you will wear, what you will drink, and what you will eat. But let me take it a step further. It is also where you will work, where you will live, and even whom you will marry.

The basic issues of life will be taken care of by God when we put Him first.