Naked from the head down

My Armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility.

Via The Joshua Commission

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Consecrate (biblical meaning):To intentionally separate, prepare, or devote something (or yourself) exclusively for God’s purposes — often involving purification, focus, and readiness.

I have enjoyed our conversation this week about our spiritual armor and especially the thought that humility is an additional garment that needs to be under the armor.  It’s going to be hard for me to get the term “spiritual underwear” out of my head when I think about humility from now on.

When we have gathered on battlefields over the years someone always talks about spiritual armor, the various parts and what they provide in terms of protection. Putting on the armor is a way we consecrate ourselves, get ready, to live out God's purpose in our lives. One battlefield experience stands out to me every time I think about the armor.

It was a rainy day on the Gettysburg battlefield and we were all up on a hill called Little Round Top.  I could have easily tuned out yet another talk on the armor until the guy talking, Ben, said something that grabbed my attention. “How many of us get up, put on our helmet of salvation but none of the other armor and then run around naked from the head down thinking we are protected?” It made men laugh because the picture in my head was so ridiculous. Then it made me stop and realize how many days this described me.

This week has had me thinking about this again. I’ve now added the thought of being sure my underwear is in place but I’m renewed in my intentionality of being certain I’m getting all my armor on. I want to be consecrated for the work God has for me each day.

I looked up the word consecrate to be sure I was using it correctly and part of the definition felt really useful to me (we love a good checklist at TJC).  Maybe it will be for you too.

In simple terms consecration means

• Make holy

• Set apart for God

• Prepare your heart for what God is about to do

• Remove distractions or sin so God can work freely

• Devote yourself to Him with seriousness and intention

Consecrate yourself as you suit up with truth, righteousness, grace and humility for what God has for you today and everyday.

THE KINGDOM MAN’S CREED

I am a Kingdom Man. I am created by God to bear His image. I am a son and viceroy for my Fathers work. I am a warrior, lover, teacher and king.

I am a Kingdom Man. Like Joshua, I will be strong and courageous. I will train my mind and body for the battles to come. I will discipline my heart, eyes and tongue to be steadfast and faithful to the calling on my life.

I am a Kingdom Man. If a husband, I love and serve my wife, if a father, a loving father to my children. I will love and lead them as Christ loves the Church. If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, I will give honor in all of my relationships. I will lead, teach, correct and train in the spirit of righteousness.

I am a Kingdom Man. I am called to break down barriers and free others from strongholds. I am a Peace Maker. My armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility. I will stand in the gap for my neighbor to defend gospel justice for the marginalized. 

I am a Kingdom Man. God is my provider. He has given me gifts and talents to exemplify Him with the work of my hands. I will work with diligence and excellence. My labor will be honest and its fruits purposeful.

I am a Kingdom Man with a Kingdom vision. Commissioned by Christ. My life is the Father’s. I am intentional. I will grow in my faith, be consistent in my actions and leave a legacy worthy of the race I have run.

I AM a Kingdom Man!