“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.”(Ephesians 6:16 NLT)
After a company I worked for in the past received a $400 fine from OSHA for a fire extinguisher not being checked within a month, I amended the Safety Committee’s inspection checklist to include inspecting every single fire extinguisher in our big box distribution center to see if they had been inspected by our Maintenance Department. OSHA found no other things that he could write out citations for on his walk-around, but with authority in his voice, he stressed the importance of making sure the extinguishers would be ready and reliable so we could react in case of an fire emergency in the facility. Our monthly inspection included looking at location, ensuring it was visible, determining if it was full, examining the condition, making sure there was no leakage, and making certain the inspection tag had been signed off by the maintenance tech. Multiple things were looked at carefully, diligently, recognizing that future unannounced inspections done by OHSA would not be quick and very thorough.
I encourage you to make sure you understand the importance of checking your extinguisher, the one labeled “Faith,” not monthly but every day. Be ready to confront the fiery arrows of the devil that will spark up instantaneously without warning. Know that it is true: sparks can turn into flames. Satan will try to impact how well you operate as a Christian. If he is successful, even in the case of a single interaction or a short-lived situation, that will not only spoil your witness, but it will also hurt those who should be influenced by your witness; being ready and reliable to act in such a way that your declaration of being a person of faith is not contradiction nor canceled by your portrayal of faith.
Sunday, a young preacher gave us some advice that will help us operate our extinguisher, the shield of faith. He provided us with three easy, progressive instructions: (1) Build faith. (2) Keep faith. (3) Move in faith. Read those instructions again, and if you want to be even more prepared to fight the fiery arrows of the devil, add the advice of the young preacher’s older brother who spoke on the full armor of God a few months ago, starting with the closing verse below. Just as a side note: God knows how to carry on a dialogue and connect the dots, doesn’t He? Have a wonderful Thursday, walking by faith and pleasing God! Be blessed!
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” (Ephesians 6:13 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King