Christian Family Services Ministry

12-5-2023 – A Word to the Wise – Ephesians 6:10ff

Sometimes it takes a parable to help us understand the power of a passage.

The first 2 years I was Reserve Officers we were unarmed. Whoever thought that idea up was nuts. You felt very vulnerable, moreover it could put your partner or others at risk.

However, one night 2 A.M. we were called to a large disturbance in the projects. Several elements were already out. Things were getting out of control. Here I stood with no weapon. Suddenly I remembered the shotgun on the floor of the squad car. Most certainly better than nothing, so, I open the door and pick it up. I hated shotguns, they were just useless, but there were no other options in case things got out of control. I racked a shell into the chamber. Suddenly there was dead silence. You could hear the sound of me racking a shell into the chamber a city block. Never again did I underestimate the value of that weapon.

To the other extreme was the baton. The police department trained all the officers on it for hours, you believe in it, trust it, depend on it. One could control anyone or situation with a simple baton. After all that was all the British police used.

One afternoon we were called to a family disturbance. The grandmother met us outside and told us her son was out of control. He was trying to kick them out of the house. “Please help, but don’t hurt him.” Sure. I opened the front door and stepped inside to see a massive 6’8 300-pound giant who immediately started cursing us out telling us to leave. “This is my house, get out.”

Whereupon he grabs my partner and I quickly draw my trusty baton, yes, the one I trained on, carried everywhere and with a mighty blow hit him across the chest. It snapped in half. I will never trust a baton again. Drew my trusty seven cell metal flashlight and went to work. Sometimes what you trust and believe in does not hold true. It could be tools, equipment, or yes even theology.

On the other hand, there are some things you depend on and never go without. Like a 20-pound armored vest, a sixteen shot Sig Sauer P26 handgun, (not one made of plastic either) a metal foot long flashlight, a radio to call for help. But more importantly, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph 6:10ff ESV

So, you have the tools necessary to do the job, physically, and spiritually along with the training necessary to utilize those tools in all circumstances. How much of your equipment is untrust worthy? Used improperly, or never picked up? How much actual training, have you taken to heart and used to intervene for others?

One item is missing from Paul’s list, the most important one; prayer.