¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(Ephesians 6:16 CSB)

The idea of a shield and flaming arrows can get pretty lost in the 21st century. They are, in this sense, archaic today in the world of weaponry. However, when it comes to our enemy the concept is very apt.

Our combat is not of this earth and as such the imagery of swords, arrows, shields and armor take on strong meaning. Our enemy will use many forms of arrows to create chaos in our lives. Whether they be tipped with the flame of anger, the barb of envy, the blunt tip of despair or depression, the poisoned tip of deceit, or even the glass tip of heartbreak, each seeks its mark.

And the enemy is quite the marksman.

Thus, our shield must be a strong one. Shields come in many forms from light wicker to strong impenetrable ballistic material. Throughout time, and even today, they are used to protect.

I am a keen fan of the Spartans. Their military training was second to none. The very recognizable Spartan shield was an integral part of their weaponry, not only as a defensive tool but as an offensive one as well. Sword, or spear and shield were used in unison.

We too must use our shield both defensively to protect us from the enemy’s arrows and offensively to continue to push forward in life. The shield of faith can both protect and brace us to keep moving forward. Ever before us, even in the most difficult times, it braces us so we move forward.