“ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13 KJV)
Libraries are usually such peaceful places; it is hard to imagine that a “war” may be going on inside them. Yet internal battles are being fought all the time in the hearts of students, staff, and faculty. Paul encourages us in Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand when trouble comes. It does not say to put on this piece or that piece, or whichever pieces we feel like, but rather the whole armor. If we wear the helmet of salvation but forget the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), we won’t be able to stand. If we put on the belt of truth but forget about the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, we won’t be able to stand. If we put on the shoes of the gospel of peace but forget about the shield of faith, we won’t be able to stand. We have to take up the whole armor and be ready for action!
I was very inspired by this idea of the whole armor of God when I attended a ladies’ retreat on this topic. The speakers took each piece of armor and spoke on it at length. It was something I hope I never forget! It was so impactful for me, and I want to share it with others
It may be quiet in the library, but when there is conflict with a co-worker, we need to be able to stand. If we have put on our armor, we will resist the temptation from the devil to think harsh thoughts or act out unlovingly. Things may seem tranquil, but we may be having an intense personal struggle inside. Maybe we get bad news and are tempted to fret or even despair. That’s when wearing the protective armor of God is going to help us stand up and fight off the enemy’s attacks. We are so blessed to go to work each day in a relatively serene atmosphere, but we won’t let this trick us into thinking we don’t need our whole armor on for the spiritual battles we are sure to face
This passage of Scripture says that the most important thing is the shield of faith, and that we must always pray. That combination of faith and prayer is so vital. We put on our whole armor through faith and prayer. It may sound like cumbersome work attire, but I assure you that you will be lighter on your feet because of it!
Lauren Bedoy
Lauren is an Outreach and Instruction Librarian at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. She has been an ACL member since 2015.