I just wanted to take a minute to talk about this subject Serena brought up. I think it really speaks to the status of men and women these days. Men don't know how to fight, women are trying to do everything men do, and both are missing what God has called them to.
When Serena mentioned how armor became obsolete in time and that it was relegated to ceremonial duties, it made me glad that the King allowed me to get my armor "battle-rated." No longer is my armor only for show and ceremony but can be trusted to withstand battles. Armor that is only for display is useless and only adds extra weight. Ceremonial armor is made to a lower standard. It is not meant to be beat upon. It is not meant to be worn for extended periods. The metal is thin and the suit cumbersome. The sword is dull and the shield is easily pierced.
But, the armor of a real warrior is made of high quality material designed to endure the fierceness of battle. It will usually have blood stains on it. It will look dirty and unimpressive. But, it is functional and effective. It will protect his vital organs and still allow him to press forward in battle. The shield is thick; the sword sharp and precise.
As a man, I would not trust a man that had his armor pristine. I can appreciate a man that maintains his armor but his armor still should have some dents, dings, scrapes, and a certain amount of damage to it. Those blemishes would indicate that this man has seen some fighting and has lived to tell the story. This is a man that I can trust. This is a man that I would call when I need prayer. This man may have been hurt or damaged himself...no one said he was perfect! However, he has fought, bled, and survived the enemy's attack and can be trusted to fight alongside of you.
This man not only may have blemishes in his armor but also bears the scars in his body. Some may see those scars as unsightly but those close to that man know those scars testify to his commitment to being a victor! When he sees his own scars he is reminded of the sacrifice he endured to have the best of God. His battle may have left scars and pain but he knows that God will get glory from it.
You see, a real knight knows another real knight without having to see the armor. A man will know a man not by his bank account but by the condition of his spirit. Having been in a spiritual battle, I can tell a man that I can trust and fight with....usually within a few minutes of meeting them. It is nothing weird or spooky about it. It is simply the call of brothers in arms. Something deep inside of us can tell the difference between a man who knows how to fight and a boy that is pretending to play war.
A knight in ceremonial armor can't save the princess and he cannot slay the dragon. He can't scale the castle wall and take on all enemies. But, a man with battle-tested armor and a battle-ready spirit can do all of that and more. He may be the most unlikely of heroes. He may not look like the one that will save the day. He is usually the quiet and humble. But, when the dust settles he will be the last man standing...not in his own power but in humility under the power of God.
So, men....shed the ceremonial armor. It's not worth much. And put on the armor that you have been given by God. Become the man of God that knows how to fight because he has lived through the battle. That is only man that is worth much!
Josh
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