I think every pastor has at least one study on Ephesians 6:10 tucked away for both routine and special use. Everything from a one hour sermon to a seven-Sunday lecture series can be pulled from this one basic paragraph on taking a stand.

If you're here, you came in through the back door from another site, likely following a trail of bread crumbs left by that author. So, welcome; and no, you don't have to listen to yet another sermon on steeling yourself and all that. Rather, have a read about what can happen when one of the components of the armor breaks down:

I know this guy who had pretty much the whole magilla; his education in theology was from a fine institution; he had some real-world experience to draw from and a talent to teach and share the gospel.

But his armor developed a chink over time. I'm not even sure he was aware of it; as a matter of fact, he was likely blind to it at first. It may have just been a time when he dropped his shield a little and one of those darts came though... Perhaps his breastplate wasn't adjusted snugly enough or didn't fit quite as well after ego overrode humility. ...or perhaps those sandals didn't provide as firm a footing as they might: they'll loosen a little if some of the peace goes away. Regardless, at least one dart struck home.

...and from that progressed a terrible tale of failure to the flesh that ended with a wound most deep and horribly ridden with unhealthy tissue. ...and not just to him.

...and his injury was not evident at once; those closest to him from both his immediate and church families were taken by surprise as he crumpled to the ground...

I'm reminded of another warrior, a guy named David... Perhaps you've heard of him. ...and how he dropped his shield one day, and his life wasn't so grand anymore.

...and he knew he blew it and tried to cover his tracks. When that didn't work, he committed murder. Man...

...and the price? Four dead sons. ...and a life knowing a moment of pleasure was the cause. Somehow that balance sheet doesn't work for me.

But all is not lost in in today's world. To carry Paul's metaphor of the Roman soldier a bit further, we must realize that he stands not alone, but within a cohort of other soldiers, soldiers trained to maneuver and close ranks above the wounded one. ...and to reform in such a fashion as to protect the body.

...and within the greater ranks of the army, there are surgeons who are capable of opening the most grievous of wounds to the healing powers of light and love. ...and who can attempt to return the soldier to a place in the ranks.

...and then there are the musicians who can sound the battle cry to rally the troops together. ...and lead them into battle once again.

All are members of the body...

Peace...