Reflection

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

The call came early in the morning, and the news was not good. Sin had taken its toll on a family friend, another life is in crisis. We mourn, but we also examine our own hearts. I don't think we can take the Word of God too seriously when it describes our deceitfulness and utter wickedness. Nor can we take the Bible's warnings too seriously about putting on the "whole armor" of God so that we can stand against the wiles of the devil. Between our own depravity and the schemes of the devil to wreck havoc with our lives, the aspiration to living a life of holiness might seem like a pipe dream. And it is if we rely on our own strength and efforts. Sin is insidious; we need the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to have victory over sin. The good news is that God's grace is greater than our sin, and we having a loving Savior ready to forgive and restore us. If we belong to Him, He will never leave us or forsake us, but will complete His work in us. Hallelujah, what a Savior we have!