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Mommy and the Joyful Three 05/02/11

Dressing Your Children in the Armor of God


Last week, my blog was about memorizing Scripture and why it is important to teach your children to keep God’s words close to their hearts. This week, I’d like to continue the conversation and share with you what my children and I are learning about the armor of God.

Ephesians 6:11-17 explains what the armor of God and how crucial it is for Christians to “clothe” ourselves in it each day.

We get this significant passage from the Apostle Paul, whose inspiration was a Roman solider tasked with guarding him. Paul notes in Ephesians that, as Christians, we are to wear armor. The apostle says our battles are not against flesh and blood – others, but are spiritual. Paul used the armor a solider wears to point out what we need to hold onto as we walk with God.

In Ephesians 6:11-13, it states:

Put on the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. KJV

Our children should be dressed in the armor of God, as should you. Here’s a description of that armor, followed by fun examples of how to familiarize children with each component.

The Belt of Truth: The belt of a Roman solider secured his weapons. In the same way, we must be secured in the Truth and defend it against false teaching.

The Breastplate of Righteousness: The protective plate protected a soldier’s vital organs. If his organs were injured, then his life would be in jeopardy. To “clothe” yourself in the breastplate of righteousness means to stand against the enemy by obeying God’s commands.

Sandals of the Gospel of Peace: Roman soldiers wore sandals on their feet that were strong and could withstand battle and time. We must walk in the ways of the Lord and with His peace strapped to our feet, prepared to walk through any adversity.

The Shield of Faith: A shield protects. Our shield of faith is what keeps us from getting hit by the weight of the world. We have a greater power in us; Jesus will protect us. So we must arm ourselves not only with weapons, but also shield ourselves with faith.

The Helmet of Salvation: The helmet was worn to ensure the soldier’s head would not get harmed when attacked. God’s teachings are in our minds, as well as, our hearts. Having the Helmet of Salvation secured on our heads shields us from God’s enemy. Our salvation is what allows us a relationship with God, so it is imperative to wear remember it daily.

The Sword of Truth: A soldier’s sword is a powerful weapon. Lies can be a powerful weapon as well. But with the Sword of Truth, we can fight back against all the lies of the enemy with a weapon that he cannot win against. God’s Truth is the way to true salvation and life.

A few ways I am teaching these verses to my own children are:

Dressing in the armor daily

This is something my mother taught me. As your child gets dressed in the morning, take each item and use it to explain this passage from Ephesians. For instance, “Here are your shoes; they are the shoes of truth. Walk in the truth of God throughout your day.” This will remind you and your child of God’s armor as they go through their day.

Make the armor

We are using a felt board to itemize the armor of God. Each time a part of the verse is memorized and understood another piece of the armor is placed on the soldier.

My children have responded well to this. The armor of God is meant to help them feel safe and secure. Teach your children these verses so that they can see how protected they are by this powerful example of God’s wisdom.

Do you know of any fun ways to teach these verses to young children?

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