In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul calls believers to “put on the full armor of God” so that we may stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. However, like any armor, it is not light or easy to bear. The armor of God can feel heavy, uncomfortable, and, at times, burdensome. There is a temptation to remove it, believing that life would be easier without its weight. But just like in the physical world, where we grow stronger by lifting heavy things, our spiritual strength is forged by carrying the full weight of the armor of God.

This chapter explores the paradox of the armor of God: while it may seem difficult and heavy, it is also the very thing that protects us and makes us stronger. We are tempted to drop it when life becomes challenging, thinking we can manage without it, but doing so leaves us vulnerable to attack. Furthermore, it is not just about wearing the armor; it is about learning how to wield it properly, which requires time, practice, and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide us. This chapter delves into the struggle of living a life fully equipped by God’s armor and the importance of bearing its weight with perseverance.

The Temptation to Lay Down the Armor

Anyone who has carried a heavy burden knows the desire to set it down, even just for a moment. The same can be said of the spiritual armor we are called to wear. At times, we might wonder if it’s worth it. Life is already filled with challenges and responsibilities, why add the weight of spiritual discipline on top of that? The armor of God can feel like a burden when we’re tired, stressed, or facing trials, and the temptation to put it aside grows stronger in those moments.

We might think that we would be better off without it. After all, carrying the armor means living according to God’s truth, striving for righteousness, being peacemakers, maintaining faith in difficult times, and constantly wielding the Word of God. This requires discipline, sacrifice, and vigilance. When the world offers shortcuts and easier paths, we might be tempted to think, “Maybe I don’t need all this. Maybe I can get by without carrying the full weight of this armor.”

But the moment we set down any piece of the armor, whether it’s truth, righteousness, faith, or the Word of God, we expose ourselves to the enemy’s attacks. Satan, knowing that we’ve left ourselves unprotected, is quick to exploit any vulnerability. Just as a soldier in battle would never willingly remove their armor in the middle of a fight, we must be aware of the dangers of letting go of our spiritual armor, even when it feels heavy.

The Purpose of the Armor: Strengthening Through Struggle

Carrying heavy things is how we grow stronger. This is a principle that applies both physically and spiritually. In the gym, lifting weights builds muscle. In the spiritual realm, bearing the weight of God’s armor builds spiritual endurance and resilience. The armor of God is not simply protection from attack; it is also a tool for strengthening our faith and deepening our reliance on God.

Each piece of the armor requires us to engage in a spiritual discipline. The belt of truth asks us to live with integrity, holding fast to God’s Word even when the world around us promotes lies. The breastplate of righteousness challenges us to live uprightly, making decisions that align with God’s holiness. The shield of faith requires us to trust in God’s promises, even when doubt and fear assail us. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, calls us to actively engage with Scripture, using it to defend against falsehood and temptation. Every piece of armor requires effort, and it is in this effort that we grow stronger.

God never promised that wearing His armor would be easy. In fact, Jesus warned His followers that they would face trials and persecution (John 16:33). The armor is not meant to make life comfortable; it is meant to make us strong enough to withstand the difficulties we will inevitably face. As we continue to carry it, we find that the very weight that once felt burdensome is what strengthens us for the journey ahead.

Vulnerability Without the Armor

It is easy to recognize the benefits of armor when we face obvious spiritual battles, moments of temptation, spiritual attacks, or clear challenges to our faith. In those moments, we are grateful for the protection that God’s armor provides. But what about the quieter, less obvious moments when the battle doesn’t seem so intense? These are the moments when we are most tempted to set aside the armor, thinking we can relax our vigilance.

However, it is in these seemingly calm moments that we are most vulnerable. Without the armor of God, we are like soldiers who have set down their shields and swords, unaware that the enemy is still prowling, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Satan is always looking for ways to attack, and he often does so when we are least prepared, when we think we can manage without God’s protection.

The moment we set aside truth, we become susceptible to the lies of the world. When we lay down righteousness, we open ourselves to compromise and moral failure. Without the shield of faith, we are overwhelmed by fear and doubt. And without the sword of the Spirit, we are left defenseless against spiritual deception. The armor is not something we can afford to take off, even for a moment. It is a constant necessity, guarding us against the enemy’s schemes, whether we are in the heat of battle or in moments of apparent peace.

The Challenge of Wielding the Holy Spirit

One of the most difficult aspects of wearing the armor of God is learning to wield the Holy Spirit in our daily decisions. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is both an offensive and defensive weapon. It is not enough to simply carry the armor; we must learn how to use it effectively. This requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, which is not always easy.

Listening to the Holy Spirit means being in tune with God’s will, which can be challenging when our emotions, desires, and circumstances are pulling us in different directions. It requires discernment, prayer, and a willingness to follow God’s lead, even when it goes against our own inclinations. Too often, we want to act on our own wisdom, but wielding the Holy Spirit means surrendering our control and trusting God to guide our actions.

This is no easy task. There will be moments when the Holy Spirit prompts us to speak truth when we would rather remain silent, to act in righteousness when compromise seems easier, or to stand firm in faith when doubt clouds our vision. It is in these moments that we truly feel the weight of the armor, not just as protection, but as a call to live in complete dependence on God’s guidance. Learning to wield the Holy Spirit is a lifelong process, one that requires patience, humility, and constant practice.

The Reward of Persevering Under the Weight

Though the armor of God is heavy and often difficult to carry, the reward for bearing its weight is immeasurable. When we persevere in wearing the armor, we grow stronger in faith, more resilient in the face of trials, and more equipped to live a life that honors God. The weight of the armor teaches us endurance, and through endurance, we develop a deeper reliance on God’s strength rather than our own.

James 1:2-4 encourages believers to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The armor of God is part of this process of perseverance. As we bear its weight and learn to wield it effectively, we are being shaped into the mature, complete people God has called us to be.

Furthermore, wearing the armor of God allows us to stand firm in a world that is increasingly hostile to faith. It enables us to resist the temptations and deceptions of the enemy and to live out the gospel with courage and conviction. When we choose to carry the armor, even when it feels heavy, we are choosing to remain faithful to God’s call, trusting that He will give us the strength to endure.

Conclusion: Embracing the Weight for the Sake of Growth

The armor of God is heavy, and there will be times when we are tempted to set it down, believing we are better off without it. But just as physical strength is built by lifting heavy weights, spiritual strength is developed by bearing the weight of God’s armor. It may be difficult to carry, and it requires discipline, perseverance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. However, the reward for bearing this weight is a life of strength, resilience, and unwavering faith.

When we carry the armor of God, we are protected from the enemy’s attacks and equipped to stand firm in our faith. More importantly, we are continually growing stronger, learning to wield the Holy Spirit with wisdom and discernment. Though the armor is heavy, it is through bearing this weight that we become the people God has called us to be, strong, faithful, and ready to face whatever comes our way.

In the end, the heaviness of the armor is not a burden, but a gift. It is a reminder that we cannot fight the battles of life on our own, but must rely on God’s strength, His truth, and His Spirit. By choosing to carry the armor of God, we are choosing to trust Him fully, knowing that He will sustain us, strengthen us, and lead us to victory.