Halloween Costumes

When my son was younger, he enjoyed dressing up in costumes for Halloween. I remember one year when he dressed up as a Jedi, a character from Star Wars. He had a brown robe and a plastic light saber. He always really got into his roles—and, I think, a small part of him believed that he could fight the forces of evil with that plastic light saber.

Now, this level of fantasy is cute in a small child, but not in adults. Even though I am in my forties, I attempt to fight evil with ineffective weapons like logic, reason, persuasive words, and planning—which is not much different than showing up to a battle dressed in a robe and a plastic light saber.

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:11-18 NLT)

My friend, LV, wrote the following as part of our Ephesians study:

“Paul then ends his letter by reminding us that our battle is not against people in these various relationships, our battle is a spiritual one. What a good reminder when conflict arises in our homes, workplaces and churches. And our armor is not made of my typical fighting attire of emotional walls and defensive arguments. It's comprised of the beautiful virtues of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, prayer, and the Bible.”