Climate Change

     You don’t have to be an atmospheric scientist to know that something is off with the
climate. The earth is seeing unusual weather, ice storms in Texas, tornados in Baltimore City,
and unseasonably warm weather in months that should be cold. This can be attributed to climate change.

Climate change does not just apply to the physical weather; it also applies to the Christian mindset. There has been a biblical climate change as well. Christians are taking up the banner and standing for beliefs that go against God’s word. In today’s unstable climate we must be dressed appropriately. The uniform that the Lord has given will protect the wearer no matter the weather. Nonetheless, most people leave home without their uniform. Many are trying to weather ice storms in tank tops, trying to drive through snow with summer (performance) tires and attempting to walk through rainstorms in canvas shoes. Failure to dress appropriately causes problems. Businesses have dress codes and standards of conduct and those standards are used to set the employees apart from the consumers.

The body of Christ is no different. There is a standard of conduct and a dress code that, when
followed, will set us apart from those not in the body. Believers have been directed to tell others
about Christ, to look more like Christ and to act like Christ. This job comes with on-the-job
training and a uniform. Believers should study to show themselves approved and dress daily for
the job. Unfortunately, many get comfortable at the job during good weather and sometimes
neglect to wear their full uniform. Sadly, during times of calm waters and sunshine it is
forgotten that a war is raging and the climate can change at any time. Believers must wear their
uniform daily. So, I submit to you that you should physically get dressed for war, daily. You
should literally put on the full armor of God.

Every morning you should:

1. Gird your loins with truth, this means to stabilize your midsection by removing any
obstructions (lies) and securing yourself with truth. In Biblical times, men wore tunics,
but when it was time to fight or work, they would literally lift the tunic and tie it in such a
way that they could fight or do hard labor with balance and without obstruction.

2. Protect your heart by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. Understanding that out
of the heart the mouth speaks, and that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked; it
needs to be protected.

3. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace – to shod means to fit
correctly. Ensure you have properly fitted your shoes so you walk in the peace of the
gospel.

4. Have your shield of faith – faith is having complete confidence in God’s word, and the
shield quenches (extinguishes) the fiery darts (attacks) of the wicked.

5. Always wear your helmet – the helmet protects your thoughts (thoughts become words,
words become actions, actions become who you are).

6. Carry your sword (word of God) – Hide the word in your heart so that it is always with
you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the proper uniform for fighting this battle. Believers
are often likened to soldiers, but we tend to come ill prepared for the fight. Forgive us, Lord, for
thinking we can fight the enemy without being fully dressed. Lord, we want to please You, but
sometimes we get cocky and think that we got this when it is You that has us. Thank you, Lord,
for protecting our heart, body, and mind during the times we decide to leave our armor at
home. Thank you for a portable uniform that can be worn comfortably over anything and on
any occasion. Thank you, for Your Son, Jesus the Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns