Beyond the Armor – Part 3: Unity as Battleground and Breakthrough

Spiritual warfare isn’t only personal—it’s communal. While Ephesians 6 calls believers to stand firm individually, the broader message of the letter is unmistakably corporate. From the mystery of Jew and Gentile inclusion (Eph. 2–3) to the call to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3), Paul reveals that unity is both a target of the enemy and a triumph of the gospel.

 

Unity as Battleground

The enemy’s schemes often manifest in division—through pride, bitterness, suspicion, and isolation. Paul warns in Ephesians 4:27, “Don’t give the devil an opportunity,” in the context of anger and relational breakdown. Disunity opens the door to spiritual vulnerability.

The armor metaphor in chapter 6 is preceded by a call to relational integrity: humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:2). These are not soft virtues—they are spiritual weapons. The enemy thrives where unity is neglected.

 

Unity as Breakthrough

When believers walk in unity, they reflect the manifold wisdom of God to the powers and authorities in the heavenly realms (Eph. 3:10). This is not just theological—it’s tactical. Unity is a declaration of victory. It reveals that Christ has torn down dividing walls and created one new humanity (Eph. 2:14–16).

If God was at work reconciling Jew and Gentile—two historically opposed peoples—into one body through Christ, then other differences are lesser by comparison. Nationality, politics, economics, denomination, and philosophy may divide in the world, but they do not divide in Christ. “For He is our peace… He made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph. 2:14).

Christ is the basis for unity. All those who are in Christ, God has put together. The church is not a coalition of compatible personalities—it is a supernatural community formed by grace. Unity is not optional. It is the evidence of the gospel’s power.

 

Standing Together

The call to “stand” in Ephesians 6 is plural. The armor is personal, but the battle is shared. We stand with one another, not just for ourselves. Spirit-filled prayer (Eph. 6:18) includes “intercession for all the saints.” The strength to stand is multiplied in community.

Unity is not uniformity—it’s shared allegiance to Christ. It’s the Spirit’s work, but it requires our effort. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit…” (Eph. 4:3). In a fractured world, this effort is spiritual warfare.

 

Conclusion:
Unity is not a passive byproduct of faith—it’s a battleground where the enemy seeks to divide, and a breakthrough where the gospel triumphs. When we live beyond the armor, we don’t just stand—we stand together. And in that unity, the strength of the Lord is revealed.

Beyond the Armor – Part 2: Six Anchors of Strength for the Battle

Paul’s imagery in Ephesians 6 is striking—but it’s not the armor itself that gives strength. Each piece points to a spiritual reality that enables believers to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. These are not passive symbols. They are active truths—gifts from the Lord that shape how we think, live, and engage in spiritual battle.

 

Truth – Living by God’s Narrative

“Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist…” (Eph. 6:14)
The enemy is the father of lies (John 8:44), and his strategy is deception. He distorts identity, twists Scripture, and tempts us to live by false narratives. But truth—God’s revealed reality—anchors us. It holds everything together. As Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).  Our world is full of competing narratives and worldviews that require the discernment that God gives. 

 

Righteousness – Standing in What Christ Has Done

“…righteousness like armor on your chest…” (Eph. 6:14)
We are declared righteous through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1), and we are called to pursue righteousness in daily life (1 Timothy 6:11). The enemy accuses, but the righteousness of Christ guards our hearts. “He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

 

Gospel Readiness – Advancing the Kingdom

“…feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.” (Eph. 6:15)
This is not just about stability—it’s about movement. The gospel is peace-making power, and readiness means we’re prepared to share it. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15). The enemy seeks to silence witness, but gospel readiness takes ground.

 

Faith – Trusting God Over Feelings

“In every situation take up the shield of faith…” (Eph. 6:16)
Faith is not emotion—it’s trust. The enemy launches flaming arrows of guilt, fear, and condemnation. But faith extinguishes them. “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). “This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith” (1 John 5:4).

 

Salvation & Scripture – Renewing the Mind (Helmet and the Sword: A Paired Defense)

In Ephesians 6:17, Paul presents the final pieces of spiritual armor as a pair: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.” This pairing isn’t incidental—it invites us to consider how salvation and Scripture work together to shape our thinking and our walk.

The helmet of salvation isn’t merely about guarding the mind—it’s about renewing it. It’s the deliberate choice to adopt the Christian mindset. As Ephesians 4:23 urges, we are to “be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” Salvation isn’t just a shield—it’s a summons to think differently, to put off the old and put on the new. Oswald Chambers once said, “You must think Christianly.” That’s the call here: to walk in the newness of life, not as those still lost in darkness, but as those enlightened by the truth of God.

Many believers remain defeated because they continue to think like the old self, even though they’ve been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) and an anointing from God (1 John 2:27). The helmet is a decision—to step into the identity we’ve been given, much like Strider in The Lord of the Rings, who had to set aside the ranger and rise into his role as king. It’s not just protection—it’s proclamation.

And the sword? It’s not just for defense—it’s for precision, truth, and clarity. The Word of God cuts through confusion and reorients us to what’s real. It doesn’t just guard—it transforms.

Together, the helmet and the sword call us to think Christianly and live boldly. Not just protected, but renewed. Not just equipped, but empowered.

Spirit-Filled Prayer – Staying Connected to the Source

“Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request…” (Eph. 6:18). Though not listed as a piece of armor, prayer is the unseen force that activates and sustains every other part. It’s not ornamental—it’s essential. Without it, the armor is worn but powerless.

Prayer keeps us alert to spiritual realities, aligned with God’s will, and empowered by His Spirit. It’s not just a tool for asking—it’s the means of abiding. As Romans 8:26 reminds us, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.” Prayer is where weakness meets divine strength, where confusion meets clarity, and where isolation is replaced by communion.

But prayer is also warfare. It’s how we resist the schemes of the enemy—not by our own words, but by surrendering to the Spirit’s intercession. It’s how we stay awake in a world that lulls us to sleep. It’s how we remain grounded when everything around us shakes.

To pray “at all times” is to live with spiritual awareness—to carry the conversation with God into every moment. It’s not reserved for quiet mornings or desperate nights. It’s the breath of the believer. And to pray “in the Spirit” is to yield—to let the Spirit guide, shape, and even groan on our behalf. It’s praying with spiritual sensitivity, attuned to the heart of God.

Billy Graham’s longtime friend Cliff Barrows once said that he “sought to always live in the atmosphere of heaven.” That’s what praying in the Spirit truly is—not just speaking to God, but dwelling with Him. It’s cultivating a posture of continual openness, where our thoughts, desires, and decisions are shaped by His presence.

Prayer is not passive. It’s active trust. It’s the soldier’s lifeline to the Commander. Without it, we may wear the armor but forget the mission.

 Conclusion:

These anchors are not abstract ideas. They are lived realities—truths we embody, habits we cultivate, and mindsets we renew. When we live beyond the armor, we don’t just survive spiritual battle—we stand firm, take ground, and reflect the strength of the Lord.

 

Beyond the Armor – Part 1: Rediscovering the Power Behind the Metaphor of Ephesians 6:10-20

We love the imagery of armor. It’s bold, visual, and empowering. But sometimes, in our fascination with the metaphor, we miss the message. Paul’s call in Ephesians 6 isn’t just to “put on armor”—it’s to be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength (Eph. 6:10). The armor is not the source of strength. It’s a lens through which we understand how strength is received and lived.

Earlier in Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul prays that believers would be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner being, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. This is the foundation. Before the armor is ever mentioned, Paul is already pointing to the source of strength: the indwelling Christ, the empowering Spirit, and the rootedness of faith.

 By the time we reach chapter 6, Paul isn’t introducing a new idea—he’s illustrating the same truth with vivid imagery. The armor isn’t a checklist of spiritual disciplines. It’s a poetic unpacking of what it means to live in the strength of the Lord.

Each piece of armor points to a deeper reality:

• Truth that anchors us in God’s narrative
• Righteousness that declares and transforms us
• Gospel readiness that advances the Kingdom
• Faith that shields us from emotional sabotage
• Salvation and Scripture that renew our minds
• Prayer that keeps us connected to the Source

 The goal isn’t to admire the armor. It’s to stand. To remain rooted when the winds of deception, accusation, and distraction blow hard. To live in such a way that the enemy’s schemes lose their power.

In the next post, we’ll explore each of these anchors of strength—what they mean, how they protect, and how they empower us to stand firm. But for now, consider this: Are you living from the strength of the Lord, or simply trying to wear the armor without it?

Let’s not settle for metaphor. Let’s live the reality.

When Darkness Falls, Raise the Banner

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken many of us. It’s tempting, in moments like these, to curse the darkness—to grieve, rage, and retreat. And yes, we should pray for justice. Justice matters to God. But if we stop there, we miss the deeper reality: we are in a spiritual war.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The battle is not against the person who pulled the trigger. The battle is over that person’s soul—one held captive by the lies of Satan. This is not just political violence. It is spiritual warfare.

In every war, when the flag bearer falls, another rises to carry the banner forward. Then another. And another. Charlie carried the flag of Christ boldly, especially on college campuses where truth is often mocked and silenced.

Now, I don’t agree with everything Charlie stood for politically. His rhetoric and affiliations often stirred controversy, and I’ve wrestled with some of his public stances. But this post isn’t about politics. It’s about the spiritual battle he stepped into—the boldness he showed in challenging deceptive ideologies and presenting the gospel in places where it’s often unwelcome. That kind of courage matters. And it’s worth honoring, even if we don’t align on every issue.

I believe Charlie could say, like the Apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). He contended earnestly for the faith. And now, having laid down his life in obedience to Christ, he bears witness to the cost—and the glory—of true discipleship.

Some will say Charlie Kirk died because of his politics. And yes, his public stance provoked strong opposition. But beneath the political hostility lies a deeper reality: this is a spiritual war. The hatred that led to his assassination did not begin with policy disagreements—it began with a rejection of truth, a rebellion against God’s authority, and a culture increasingly captive to deception.

Charlie’s courage wasn’t merely political—it was gospel-driven. He didn’t speak out just to defend conservative ideas; he spoke to awaken hearts. His mission wasn’t to win elections, but to win souls. The true work ahead is not to reclaim ground for ideology, but to proclaim Christ with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

So let us not confuse the battlefield. Politics may have been the surface, but the war is for the soul. And the only weapon strong enough to rescue is the gospel.

We do not pray against people. We pray for their redemption. We pray that others will rise to the challenge and continue the work. Paul’s imprisonment stirred courage in others to “speak the word fearlessly” (Philippians 1:14). That same courage is needed now.

In Acts 4, when the apostles faced threats and opposition, they didn’t ask for safety. They asked for boldness. They quoted Psalm 2, recognizing that the nations rage against Christ. And then they prayed: “Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29).

That is our prayer today.

The battle is real, and the souls of the next generation hang in the balance. Will you rise? Will you pray for boldness—not safety—and speak the truth with courage? Take up the banner. The fight is not against people, but for them. Let your life contend for the faith.

Ask God for boldness. Not comfort. Not protection. Boldness.

Do We Need to Anoint Our Doorposts? A Biblical Look at Spiritual Authority

I’ve recently been meeting with believers who suggested to me to use anointing oil for defensive purposes—anointing doorposts, corners, and spaces to ward off spiritual darkness. At first, I was skeptical. Coming from a tradition that rarely uses oil, the practice felt foreign, even superstitious. But instead of dismissing it outright, I began to search the Scriptures.

What I discovered surprised me. While I believe the territorial use of oil lacks biblical support, the conversation pulled me out of a different error: neglecting the rich symbolism of anointing altogether. I had not considered how oil might represent consecration—setting apart people, places, and activities for the Spirit’s empowering presence.

I remembered the story of the widow with the cruze of oil (2 Kings 4:1–7).  God’s provision was supernatural, but it required empty vessels. Perhaps anointing is not about protection, but about preparation—a visible act of trust that God will fill what we offer (surrender) Him.

This post is my attempt to explore that tension: to honor the biblical meaning of anointing, to caution against ritualism, and to re-center the practice around Christ and the Spirit’s work.

Biblical Foundations of Anointing

·        Consecration: Priests, kings, and sacred objects were anointed to signify divine appointment (Exodus 29:7; 1 Samuel 16:13).

·        Healing: James 5:14 calls elders to anoint the sick with oil in prayer—not as a cure, but as a sign of intercession. While He did not use oil, Jesus also anointed people with mud or even spit at times to accompany healing. 

·        Messianic Fulfillment: Jesus is the “Anointed One”—the Christ—fulfilling all prior anointings in Himself (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).

In each case, oil is not the source of power—it’s a symbol of divine presence, calling, and grace.

Folk Practices and the Need for Discernment

In some circles today, oil is used to “cleanse” spaces, ward off evil, or activate spiritual gifts. These practices often arise from sincere faith, but they can drift into magical thinking if not anchored in Scripture.

Rather than condemning these practices outright, I want to ask:

·        Does this use of oil point to Christ or distract from Him?

·        Is it rooted in Scripture or inherited from culture?

·        Is it symbolic or treated as spiritually efficacious in itself?

When oil becomes a spiritual weapon or a ritualized formula, it risks replacing the Spirit with symbolism. But when used humbly—as a sign of consecration, healing, or surrender—it can echo the fragrance of Christ.  A physical reminder of where Christ can be present.

A Reframing: From Protection to Preparation

The widow’s oil story reminds me that God fills what we offer Him. In a similar way anointing, can become a symbolic act of trust:

“Lord, this person, this place, this moment—I set it apart for You.”

It’s not about defending territory—it’s about surrendering it. Not about sealing off corners—but opening up vessels. The true anointing is not in the oil—it’s in the Spirit who rests upon the Son and now dwells in us.

Theological Reflection: Christ, the Anointed One—And Others

In the Old Testament, oil flowed over heads and altars, marking what belonged to God. It was fragrant, visible, and sacred. But it was never the source of power—it was a sign of it.

Jesus did not carry a flask of oil. He was the Anointed One. The Spirit descended on Him not through ritual, but through divine declaration: “This is my beloved Son.” His anointing was not symbolic—it was incarnational.

And what was true for Jesus is now true for those who are in Christ. As 1 John 2:26–27 declares, “You have an anointing from the Holy One… and His anointing teaches you about all things.” This is not a ritual—it is a reality. The Spirit who rested upon Christ now dwells in His people. We are not merely marked—we are indwelt.

This means that, like Jesus, we do not need to anoint spaces with oil to chase away evil spirits. We stand in the authority of the Anointed One. Our confidence is not in the oil, but in the identity He has given us. To substitute ritual for relationship is to trade power for performance.

And we do not need to live in fear of the enemy. Scripture is clear: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Not tiptoe. Not linger. Flee. The enemy runs from those who stand in the power of God. We are not called to ritual defense—we are called to spiritual resistance, grounded in submission and empowered by the Spirit.

Symbols still matter. Oil can be a beautiful sign of consecration, healing, and surrender—if it points beyond itself. But when it becomes a spiritual shield or formula, it risks usurping confidence in the real thing and placing it in something superficial.

I’ve come to see that anointing is not about defending territory—it’s about surrendering it. It’s not about sealing off corners—but opening up vessels. Like the widow who gathered jars for oil, we are invited to present empty spaces for God to fill. Anointing, then, becomes a symbolic act of trust:

“Lord, this person, this place, this moment—I set it apart for You.”

Let our use of oil, if we use it, be humble. Let it point to the Spirit’s presence, not replace it. Let it echo the fragrance of Christ, not the formulas of man.

The true anointing is not in the oil—it is in the Spirit who rests upon the Son and now dwells in us.

Conclusion: A Personal Step of Consecration

As I’ve studied and prayed, I’ve felt led to take a simple but meaningful step: I ordered anointing oil—not as a weapon, but as a tool of consecration. I plan to use it in prayer over specific people and places in my life, setting them apart to the Lord.

This includes my home, my family, my church, and my office—spaces where I long for the Spirit’s presence to rest and reign. Not to ward off evil, but to dedicate to the Lord for His calling and purpose. To claim territory but to surrender it. In doing so, I am convinced will keep the influences of the Devil away. 

It’s a quiet act of trust. A way of saying, “Lord, this belongs to You. Fill it with Your power and purpose.”

Scripture References

1. 2 Kings 4:1–7 — The widow’s oil multiplied through faith and obedience
2. Exodus 29:7; 1 Samuel 16:13 — Priestly and royal anointing as divine appointment
3. James 5:14 — Instruction to anoint the sick with oil in prayer
4. Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38 — Jesus as the Anointed One, empowered by the Spirit
5. 2 Kings 4:3–6 — “Borrow empty vessels… and not a few”
6. Matthew 3:17 — The Father’s declaration at Jesus’ baptism
7. James 5:15 — “The prayer of faith will save the sick…”
8. 1 John 2:26-27 “You have an anointing from the Holy One… and His anointing teaches you”
9. James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Closing Prayer & Reader Invitation

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Anointed One,
Thank You for setting me apart by Your grace—
to be holy and blameless before our Father.

I anoint with oil and surrender to You:
my bedroom, my children’s bedrooms, my bathroom, my living room—tv and reading,my kitchen,my dining room, my home office(basement)—computer, my laundry room, my garage—cars, my front and back doors—my entire home, my workplace, community, and my country.  Most of all I anoint my head and my heart and devote to you my thoughts, will and emotions.  May You receive honor, power, and glory through all of these.

I am Your property, and the Devil has no claim on me.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

 
Ask your self:

What in my life needs to be set apart for God’s empowering presence?
Where have I relied on symbols instead of surrender?
What empty vessels am I offering Him today?

 

 

The Paradox of Submitting

 Fulfilled in Christ: Submission, Service, and the Surprising Path to Satisfaction

Ephesians 5:22–6:9

In a world that equates fulfillment with autonomy, status, and self-expression, Scripture offers a radically different vision: one where submission is not a threat to joy, but a gateway to it. Ephesians 5:22–6:9 calls us to embrace our roles—not as burdens, but as sacred callings. Whether in marriage, family, or vocation, the path of humble obedience leads not to insignificance, but to exaltation in Christ.

Jesus Himself submitted to the Father’s will. That submission did not diminish His glory—it revealed it. Likewise, our fulfillment is not found in escaping subordination, but in embracing it as unto the Lord.

 

1. Submission to One Another (5:21)

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

This verse sets the tone: mutual submission within the church is not about domination, but devotion. It’s the posture of humility, where each member lays down rugged individualism to be united in mind and heart under Christ’s authority.

Mutual submission is essential for true teamwork. Like the Three Musketeers’ motto—“All for one and one for all”—each person yields for the good of the other and the strength of the whole. When someone insists, “It’s no one’s business,” they reject the accountability that submission requires. And where accountability is absent, intimacy falters. Without true intimacy, the presence of Christ in the community becomes faint—hard to see, hard to feel.

Submission doesn’t stifle us—it sanctifies us. It’s the soil where humility grows and Christ is glorified.

This applies not only to individual relationships but to the dynamic between church leaders and members. When leaders refuse to yield to the body, or when members resist the leadership God has placed over them, the result is always painful. We’ve seen what happens when bad churches happen to good pastors—and when bad pastors happen to good churches. It’s ugly, and God is not honored. The damage can nearly destroy what God desires to build in that community.

There must be a healthy and humble respect between leaders and members—a shared reverence for Christ that shapes how we speak, serve, and submit to one another.

2. Submission in Marriage (5:22–33)

“Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord.”

This passage calls wives to submit—not as inferiors, but as those who willingly embrace God’s design for ordered relationship. Subordination here reflects Christ’s own submission to the Father—not a loss of dignity, but a display of faith.  This is quite clear—as Christ is the authority over the church so the husband is the authority over his wife.

But the call to husbands is equally weighty. Paul doesn’t merely say that Christ gave Himself for the church—he shows that Christ invested in the church to present her without spot or wrinkle, holy and blameless. His sacrifice had a goal: her sanctification.

Husbands

Likewise, husbands are not called to sacrifice for sacrifice’s sake, but to actively build up their wives. Her nurturing and development is a central part of his ministry. He is to undergird her weakness with love, so she can mature and become all that God created her to be. She is not a side note to his calling—she is part of the work he is to accomplish on this earth.

Many men may think their primary legacy lies in their professional career. But Scripture reframes that: his wife is his sacred investment. Later in the passage, Paul calls husbands to love their wives as they love their own bodies—providing, protecting, and cherishing her as part of themselves.  By investing in her sanctification…he invests in his own! He grows as she grows.

And so, this is not a sentimental love—it’s a sanctifying one. It’s a love that lifts, strengthens, and prepares her for glory. 

3. Submission in the Family (6:1–4)

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

This command is not grounded in the perfection of parents, nor in cultural sentiment—it’s grounded in moral truth. Children are called to obey simply because it is right. Parental authority is the first authority a child encounters, and learning to honor it sets the foundation for respecting all other forms of authority throughout life.

This is one of the great works of parenting: training a child to do what is right because it is right. Tell the truth—because it is right. Share—because it is right. Honor your parents—because it is right. This moral reflex becomes the backbone of a well-formed conscience.

Parents, though imperfect, are God’s appointed first educators. The family is not a social construct—it is God’s system for raising up the next generation. When children reject parental authority and lose sight of moral rightness, society begins to unravel. Lawlessness doesn’t start in the streets—it starts in the home.

Paul also reminds children of the promise: “Honor your father and mother… that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Obedience isn’t just right—it’s wise. It leads to flourishing, stability, and long-term well-being.

Parents

Parents, in turn, are entrusted with a sacred responsibility. Paul speaks directly to fathers, but the principle applies to both parents:

“Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

This is a call to wisdom. Parents must not stir up resentment or frustration in their children. They are to lead with discernment—understanding what motivates and discourages their children, and working to help them do what is right without setting them up for failure.

Authority alone is not enough. Respect must be earned through presence, understanding, and consistency. Paul uses two key words: training and instruction.

• Training is experiential. Like pruning and feeding a plant to shape its growth, parents train by example—through what they model and what they expose their children to.
• Instruction is verbal. It’s coaching, conversation, and intentional teaching—especially about the Lord.

How many children grow up without a father who talks to them about God? This is the deepest goal of parenting: to help your child know God for themselves. To lead them to make God their authority—not just while they’re under your roof, but long after they’ve left it.

Parenting is not just about behavior—it’s about formation. And formation that leads to faith will stand the test of time.

 

4. Submission in Vocation (6:5–9)

Paul addresses slaves and masters with surprising dignity:

• Slaves are called to obey with sincerity, “as to Christ.” Their work becomes worship.
• Masters are reminded they too have a Master in heaven—this levels the field.

Paul doesn’t abolish slavery here, but he plants gospel seeds that subvert it. Even in unjust systems, Christ offers significance. Fulfillment is not found in circumstance, but in relationship with the Lord. Ephesians 6:5–8 reframes work: not as a ladder to climb, but as a place to serve Christ. What if your workplace is your altar?

 

Fulfillment ≠ Autonomy

Our culture insists that freedom, status, and self-determination are the keys to fulfillment. But Scripture offers a deeper paradox: that true satisfaction is not necessarily found in autonomy, but in surrender. To experience Christ—even in lowly, overlooked, or unjust circumstances—is to discover a joy that worldly success cannot replicate.

Career advancement may promise worth, but serving Christ brings meaning. Freedom may feel like happiness, but submission to God paradoxically births lasting joy. Wherever you find yourself today you can have true fulfillment. 

 

Closing

“Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people…” — Ephesians 6:7–8
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” — Colossians 3:23

• Where might you be resisting submission because you’ve believed fulfillment lies elsewhere?
• Name one area—marriage, family, work—where you can reframe your role as a sacred calling.

Living in a Rested State: Jesus’ Call to Rest

Labor Day invites us to pause and reflect on rest—not merely the absence of work, but the deep soul-rest Jesus offers to all who are weary. When He says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), He’s extending an invitation into a life sustained by His power, not our performance.

 

The Weight We Carry

Every day, many of us drag burdens:

These are the souls crying for true Sabbath rest—a rest that begins when we lay down our yoke and take up Christ’s.

• Single Parents
  Juggling work, childcare, finances, and household duties—often without robust support—can leave the heart exhausted and stretched thin.
• Caregivers for the Aging or Disabled
  The relentless cycle of appointments, treatments, and nighttime watches can erode physical strength and emotional reserves.
• Frontline Healthcare Workers
  Doctors, nurses, EMTs, and support staff bear the trauma of suffering and death daily, risking burnout as they pour out compassion.
• Students Under Performance Pressure
  From grade-point anxieties to looming standardized tests and college applications, young people carry a heavy burden of fear and expectation.
• Employees Facing Job Insecurity
  Layoffs, fluctuating markets, or toxic work cultures can breed chronic stress, eroding hope and sense of stability.
• Entrepreneurs and Small-Business Owners
  The weight of payroll, investor demands, and the “always-on” grind often steals rest and family rhythms.
• Refugees and Immigrants
  Displacement, language barriers, and cultural shocks compound grief over lost homes and the struggle to build new roots.
• People in Chronic Illness or Pain
  Daily battles with health limitations or unrelenting discomfort drain joy and magnify loneliness.
• Survivors of Trauma and Abuse
  Emotional scars and flashbacks keep them in a heightened state of vigilance, robbing their souls of peace.
• Veterans with PTSD
  Memories of conflict can make rest feel unsafe, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and hyperarousal.

Each of these groups is invited to “draw near to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16), exchanging their crushing load for Christ’s easy yoke. By acknowledging their weariness and trusting His presence, they too can step into the Sabbath rest He promises.

 Those Carrying a More Pressing Weight

• Approval with God

There is a feeling that they are never good enough and that they cannot approach God for they feel condemned by Him.  Indeed, a person cannot work enough to earn God’s approval.  This is given as a free gift through faith in Christ.  Access to God is freely given through Jesus by faith.

• Purpose and Meaning

Chasing significance in career, ministry, or social circles, yet never feeling satisfied. 

 The Gospel Reset: Rest as a Gift, Not a Goal

Scripture proclaims that our righteousness and worth are secured by Christ’s finished work. We enter His rest not by amassing spiritual credentials, but by trusting Him completely. Justification by faith and our heavenly position in Christ remind us: rest is already ours. We only need to believe it and live from it.

Hebrews 4:9-11 tells us that there is a special rest for God’s people.

Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.

We enter that rest as we trust in Christ. We lay aside our own works and take on Christ’s. 

 Five Rhythms for Rested Living

1. Anchor in Positional Rest
   Begin each morning by declaring your standing in Christ:
   “Jesus, I rest in Your finished work. I have nothing to prove, for You have secured my worth and freedom.”  A lot of stress come from too much worry over what others think. 
2. Prayer of Focus
   Shift into an attentive posture:

o    Confess His presence: “Lord, You are here with me now.”

o    Scan for His movement: “Show me what You are doing so I can join You.”

o    Surrender your day: “Use my hours, my conversations, my decisions for Your divine appointments.”

o    Surrender your stress and worry: “Father, my problems are your problems!  I release all of this to you (because you care for me—1 Peter 5:7)”  Let them go.

3. Confession of Faith in His Promise
   Live by faith, not feelings:
   “I may not sense You, but I trust You never leave me. Thank You, Jesus, for being with me today.”
   Let this truth guide every choice you make.
4. Prayer for Alertness
   Remain sensitive to His voice in the ordinary:
   “Help me not to miss what You’re doing. Give me eyes to see Your invitations in each moment.”

Be ready to follow Him in what He is doing at that moment.

5.    Take Breaks in the following 5 areas for Emotional, Social, Sensory, Physical and Mental                       Rest

      You need to “Come apart before you fall apart”.  God is the only one who does not need rest—               confess the truth that you are not God and take a break! Sometimes you need a long break,                     sometimes you need a short break.  Put some breaks into your day and week for rest.  Ignoring              such breaks will have significant consequences in the future.  You stop and take a break now or             you will break and have to stop later.  Either way you will need to stop and rest.

Walking in True Sabbath Rest

By rooting ourselves in Christ’s completed work, embracing our heavenly position, and joining God in His ongoing activity, we unlock a rhythm of work and rest that mirrors the divine pattern. We labor without anxiety—because His grace carries our heaviest loads—and we walk with purpose, alert to every move of His Spirit.

Give yourself permission to Sabbath.  How will you practice these today or tomorrow, so that instead of dragging your own burden, you discover the lightness of Christ’s yoke and the joy of divine appointments?