Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – (Ephesians 6: 10-17)

No one should look for war. No one should even love war. Still, at least when it comes to matters of the spirit, everyone can be prepared for war. Paul reminds us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Thankfully, we need not be defenseless against such invisible, but not invincible adversaries.

When we are attacked with the lies of the enemy, we are covered by the girdle of truth. When our heart to do what is right is targeted, we are shielded by the breastplate of righteousness. When land mines of temptation are placed as booby traps along our path, we are protected by feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. When the fiery darts of the wicked one are aimed at our doubts, they bounce off of our shield of faith. When evil thoughts come to our head, we are guarded by the helmet of salvation. Then, when we are bombarded by the onslaught of evil spirits, we can whip them with the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. For the same reason that you carry your umbrella just in case it rains, make sure you put on and keep on your whole armor, just in case of an attack.