Flu Season
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. —Ephesians 6:10-12
During the winter months, sales of vitamin C and Echinacea go up as people prepare to battle the flu. Pharmacies and doctors’ offices offer vaccinations to increase immunity to these pesky viruses. Resources for fighting the flu include: making sure your immune system has a boost with extra vitamins, taking precautionary measures of flu shots, avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands and getting plenty of rest.
Throughout the Bible, differences are noted between the worldly and the spiritual. There is worldly wealth versus spiritual wealth, worldly teaching versus spiritual teaching and worldly health versus spiritual health. Ephesians Chapter 6 addresses the issue of spiritual health. The Apostle Paul urges believers to build up their spiritual immune system so they are prepared to step into spiritual battle.
The Bible offers resources to make sure each person is spiritually strong. What is your strategy to combat a spiritual virus? What is your plan to be spiritually healthy and not weakened by a spiritual flu? In the same way you work to stay physically healthy, you must take steps and measures to remain spiritually healthy. Equip yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. You don’t only need one or two of these protections to keep yourself spiritually healthy. You need them all.
These are spiritual disciplines that can help you to become spiritually strong. You must put on the full armor of God. Some of these disciplines are solitude, prayer, obedience, Bible study, confession, generosity, serving and worship. What are you doing to live a spiritually healthy lifestyle? How can you make sure you are staying healthy during every season of your life?
Don’t be surprised when spiritual battles come; be ready. For the important battle is not against the worldly forces, but the spiritual ones.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Make a list of spiritual disciplines that are part of your life. Is there anything missing in your armor?
2. Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God.” Take some time today to be still before the Lord.
FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 3:5-6; Ephesians 6:10-19; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
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