Did you know that if you put an orange in water it will float? Did you also know that if you put that same orange in water except with its peel completely removed it will sink? It is a neat little experiment that you will have to try for yourself. Get yourself an orange or two, a pitcher of water, and have a go at it.
This little experiment serves as an illustration that teaches us about our spiritual life. Many people will either sink or stay afloat in life. Some are dragged down by weights, worries, secret sins, or any number of Satan’s traps. Others keep floating, staying above their problems, pressing on even if the waters are turbulent. Do you know what makes the difference between sinking and floating? Why does life seem to best some people while others are getting the best out of life? What made the difference for the orange in our experiment?
With its peel the orange floats but without its peel it sinks. God has in a way given us a protective peel of our own that will keep us afloat in life. It is called the “Armor of God”. When we choose to suit up with the “Armor of God” we will stay afloat, but if we disregard it, we will certainly sink just like the orange without its peel. If you need a reminder about what armor God gives the Christian listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 6:13-18,
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Well…are you going to sink or float today? It is all a matter of suiting up. Put on the full “Armor of God” today!
Picture by Stuart Kiloh.