Paul said it was like putting on spiritual armor.
He wrote:
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:11-18).
It was G. K. Chesterton, who said,
"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult, and left untried."
Actually, it hasn't even been found difficult, because most people haven't even gotten that far.
Clarence Jordan, author of the "Cotton Patch" New Testament translation, and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister's church. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported furnishings and luxurious decorations. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple. With a satisfied smile the preacher exclaimed, "That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars."
"You got cheated," said Jordan. "Times were when Christians could get them for free."
Learning to do the right thing is as simple, and as difficult, as taking up our cross and following Christ.
