This is the time of year when some people might be dreaming of a ski trip to somewhere much colder than our warm, Southern summers. I am not one of those people. I don’t mind the heat. In fact, I am quite willing to avoid the cold. On those times when I find myself on a ski trip, however, I have learned the secret to staying warn. I have to dress for the occasion. This means dressing in layers, making sure I have adequate clothing, like ski bibs and wool socks. It’s important when skiing to adequately prepare, to take the time to dress properly each morning. Failure to do so will likely result in a miserable day on the slopes.

In the same way, we have to make sure that we adequately prepare spiritually every day. We need to take the time to dress properly each morning. This means putting on the full armor of God, making sure that our belt of truth is buckled tightly and our breastplate of righteousness is snugly in place. We need to make sure our shoes are laced up with the gospel of peace and our helmet of salvation is fastened under our chin. The sword of the Spirit should be gripped in one hand, the shield of faith held firmly in the other. We must prepare our hearts and minds for action, so that we will be able to stand. Failure to do so will likely result in a miserable day serving our Lord.