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Do you have an old sweater that gives you comfort? I have a couple of them I like to wear while hanging around the house. I must admit that I even get them out sometimes in the summer, while we are watching a movie. I like the feeling of being covered up and wrapped up in something that has been worn and washed so many times the fabric is soft yet only you would find it appealing. 

I know there are others out there who can relate. Perhaps your comfort piece is a sweatshirt hanging on by threads, or a blanket that has been washed so many times, it is pilled all over. We put these garments away when we go out into the world, but in the comfort of our home, they are like good friends, right in reach when we need them.

Some people treat their faith like their favorite sweater. In the comfort of their home, they grab their bible and read the Word. They pray to Jesus and journal their deepest thoughts. They thank God for their family, their faith, their friends, their health, and anything else they can think of. In the comfort of their homes, they are prayer warriors, but, as soon as they step out into the world, they hang their faith up on the hook, ready to pick it back up when they get inside.

If I am being honest, I’ve been that way too many times. I still am. I get stuck on sharing my faith or saying the “J” word to others. The bible tells us that we should not be ashamed to say the name of Jesus. We are supposed to profess our faith and share the gospel with others. We aren’t supposed to hang our God up on a hook, waiting to pick him up when we’re ready. Our savior already hung for us. He hung on a cross, died, and rose again. He isn’t our comfy sweater to put on when we feel like it. God’s armor should be part of our apparel every day. We are told to put on the full armor of God: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.  The instructions are pretty clear. Yet we still get stuck. I still get stuck.

I want to resolve to do better about getting fully dressed in the mornings. I’ll leave my funky sweater at home, waiting for me, but I’ll wear armor to fight the daily battles. How about you?