Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:4-8
1st Thessalonians 5:8 – “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of salvation.”
As we continue in our Epistle reading, Paul differentiates between the believers and those who live by the ways of the world. Those without faith will be caught off guard, surprised by Christ’s return. But the believers? They won’t be surprised because they will be ready to meet Jesus. They are the “children of the light and the day.” Those who follow Jesus “live in the light.” This light – Jesus – allows them to always be on guard, alert, and clearheaded. They are not to “fall asleep” on their faith. These words of Paul also apply to us and to our walk of faith. These words also reiterate the call we heard last week in the parable of the ten bridesmaids: be prepared, be ready, always have oil for your lamp.
In verse 8 Paul offers these words: “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of salvation.” Paul is beginning to develop his thoughts on the “armor of God.” He will flesh this idea out fully about ten years later in his letter to the Ephesians (see chapter 6.) With these words, Paul emphasizes the importance of faith and love and of our confidence in God. These words invite us to clothe ourselves with Christ – to allow our faith and love to guide us, our words, our actions. They also invite us to allow Christ to protect us and to guard us – especially our minds. This is where those thoughts that lead us into darkness begin to form. If we allow Christ to guard our minds, then we will walk in the light and love of Jesus Christ. May it be so for you and for me.
Prayer: Lord God, while we live daily knowing that Jesus Christ will return, the darkness can creep in, slowly. Because of this, our walk in the light can be challenging. We get busy or distracted and then we look out the window of our mind, and that darkness has enveloped us. Lord, guard and protect us. Remind and encourage us. Through your Holy Spirit’s presence, lead us to walk daily in the light and love and hope of Christ. Amen.
