In many video games, the first thing a player must do is create an avatar, or character. In fact, you can’t play the game until you’ve chosen your human warrior, complete with armor for the ensuing battle, a variety of weapons, even a snazzy haircut. In Ephesians, we see that dressing for spiritual battle is as important as dressing for a physical battle. If you go into battle—virtual, spiritual, or otherwise—without all your armor, you’ll never come out alive. The armor of God in Ephesians 6 covers us from head to toe for spiritual battle. Discuss the importance of God’s armor everyday with your kids using these talking points.

The description of the armor of God implies that character, not brute force, wins the battle. The armor in Ephesians represents truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation.

The belt of truth is the first item, and the belt holds the weapons. Without truth and sincerity, there can be no victory. It’s no coincidence the body armor or righteousness covers your heart. Decency, honesty, and virtue are synonyms for righteousness. Walk in peace as you put on the shoes of Good News. Completing your spiritual ensemble are a helmet, shield, and sword—for cover, defense, and offense.

Wear salvation as a helmet, enveloping your mind with thoughts of divine deliverance, rescue, and recovery. Your shield, crafted from pure faith, is able to block attacks meant to wound and burn. Stand firm as you wield God’s Word as a sword, dividing truth from lies with one fell swoop.

Once you’ve put on your armor, expect to use it. You can’t get dressed for battle and expect to sit on the sidelines. In Ephesians, we see an attack that the devil uses: the fiery arrow. He uses these fiery arrows—insults, self-deprecating, thoughts, doubts—to wound us, to scar us.

But the shield of faith is the perfect article of armor to deflect and
defend from such attacks. In Genesis 3:1-5, the devil twisted God’s words, confusing Eve. The helmet of salvation combats these mind games.

Satan used the same strategy in an effort to tempt Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus counterattacked with the sharp edge of God’s Word. At every turn, God has equipped us to defend, attack, and succeed. Together with shield, sword, and the full armor of God, we stand firm in victory.

One way you can help your kids learn to put on their own armor is to make sure you have your armor on first. Time spent with God, and learning to use the tools he’s given us, can help us step into situations with our kids. Be bold and courageous, and you’ll teach your children to be the same.