One of my grandfather’s favorite sayings is “you can’t wear your slicker if you left it in the wagon.” For those of you unfamiliar with cowboy terminology, a slicker is a long rain coat designed to keep you dry while you work horseback. Traditionally, large ranches would set out each spring with a crew of cowboys, a herd of horses, and a wagon that would serve as the temporary headquarters for the spring branding. If you got caught out in a rainstorm during the morning drive, you could put on your slicker…unless of course you left it back at the wagon. The saying served as a reminder to always be prepared. My grandfather was telling me to take everything I would need for the job at hand.
Often, Christians leave their metaphorical “slicker” in the wagon. They set out in the world forgetting to bring along the tools God has given them. We assume that life is simple and that things will go well. But the truth is that life is challenging. For the Christian, life isn’t just waking up, going to work, cooking supper, and putting the kids to sleep. Life is a battlefield. The Bible tells us this in Ephesians 6:13.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
We are instructed to put on armor, like a soldier preparing for battle. And the pieces of armor aren’t physical. Our battle isn’t a physical one, but a spiritual one. The Apostle Paul describes this in Ephesians 6. We must clothe ourselves in the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the readiness of the Gospel for our shoes. We carry the shield of faith, we wear the helmet of salvation, and we wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
These are the tools that God has provided for the believer. But what is the reason for such elaborate armor? Ephesians 6:16 tells us why.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.
Satan is on the attack. His attacks are constant. Temptations will come at you each and every day. They may not always look the same, but he does not rest. He is cunning and will attempt to deceive you if he can. You must be alert like the soldier at the midnight watch because Satan will attack when you are most vulnerable. Paul isn’t exaggerating here. You must be intentional in your battle against sin and temptation. No one ever passively became more like Jesus.
Christian, as you go about your day, remember the spiritual reality at hand…we are at war. Walking onto a battlefield without a firearm would be foolish. Walking through life without God’s armor is equally as foolish. Take up your armor, head to the front lines, and face your enemy head on. Don’t neglect the tools God has provided for you. You may not think it's going to rain, but don’t make the mistake of leaving your slicker behind.