From Instruction to Instinct // Ephesians 6:17

How are you reading this week’s series on spiritual warfare and the Armor of God? Today we read about needing to “take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God.” We need to study God’s Holy Word and make it part of our daily living. Joshua 1:8 tells us to, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” The helmet of salvation is designed to protect our minds and to keep our thoughts focused on God. This makes me think about the arduous training our military takes in order to be able to function cohesively and courageously when training runs turn into combat maneuvers. Just as a soldier needs to be able to make difficult actions second nature, the same is true for the Jesus follower. God wants us to learn the instructions in His Word and make it such an intrinsic part of our lives that acting obediently for the Lord becomes instinct. So, are you taking time day and night to study and learn God’s Word? It is essential for our success amidst this spiritual warfare and doing the things that bring glory to God. After all, how else can you turn God’s instruction into instinct?