day 176: Under Armor

I was recently in a meeting where the people in the room were discussing the role that those who create entertainment have in impacting our society and cultural values and norms. It would come as no surprise to anyone that the impact of our entertainment is significant on all us, especially our children. Behind that entertainment are working men and women. We sometimes forget that while they have become celebrities in our culture, they are still people working, doing the best they can in the jobs they have. Among those people are also believers who day in and day out struggle with the output of their work and their own values and principles. As Tim Keller, the Pastor of Redeemer Church in New York City said recently in Christianity Today; "Someone who works in advertising or theater may have to serve for many years at projects hoe for she finds morally ambivalent. Even those who rise to positions of responsibility will find no clearly marked path." And so it is true for all of us who are believers and work outside of the ministry. We daily travel a path through our work lives where the lining is filled with those who would hate for us to succeed at our larger purpose. Yet, we do the best we can to be in this world, but still not be of it. We are careful about how we express our faith around us so that we don't alienate or push people away from us. We work with our highest set of values and principles and we discipline ourselves to be true the teachings and examples of Jesus. I describe this as wearing the under armor of God. God gives us His armor in the Bible for us to wear so that we are protected and carry with us the defenses of His power, grace and spirit. We are called to don His armor in Ephesians 6:13; "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." There are many who wear the armor of God under their work clothes and daily they are making an impact on others and for the better. As you "suit up" today for work, think about this and be sure that you have put on your under armor and that you are prepared today for the big and small battles before you. And as you pray today, add in those who work in those industries and positions of responsibility and influence that they too will put on their armor each and every day and fight the good fight so that they may have positive influence over the messages that so influence our culture. Be strong and know that your quest to bring purpose to your work is a righteous calling.

Reference: Ephesians 6:13 (New Living Testament)