Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Intentionality is a deliberate and purposive mental state of actions, thoughts, desires, beliefs and hopes that are directed towards achieving a particular objective or goal.
John C. Maxwell said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Unless intentional efforts are made to grow when we are stretched, the changes will break us. We cannot stop aging but we can stop growing old mentally and emotionally – intentionally. The same is true in our spiritual growth. Intentional efforts to cast-off the works of darkness and to put on the armor of light are inevitable to spiritual discipline and growth.
Prayer life, holiness and godliness are intentional spiritual disciplines. They are not spiritual gifts but disciplines developed by crucifying our flesh on the cross. Every time we are tempted to sleep-in and miss our prayer time or when we are lured to indulge in entertainments or engagements that would mar our holiness and purity, we must intentionally cast-off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Armor of Light is God’s Word. We must read, memorize and meditate on it when we are tempted, to resist the devil. We must cast-away anything and anyone which could lure us into the works of darkness; it could be a device or a distracting person or a program. The armor of light is our shield, our buckler and our sword that would defend and protect us.
Put on the armor of light:
1. Shield: Intentionally choosing spiritual discipline will shield us from spiritual sluggishness. Choosing to say ‘no’, choosing to draw a line, choosing to stick to prayer routines are defensive shields that will nurture spiritual growth.
2. Sheath: Stepping out of God’s ways and wandering away from His commandments is like walking into a war zone without the protective sheath. Remain under the shadow of God’s ways and God’s will.
3. Sword: God’s Word is the armor of light and our defensive weapon. It is the sword that will drive and defeat the temptations from the evil one.
Intentionally putting on the armor of light will ensure spiritual growth.
Prayer: King Jesus, I commit to intentionally grow spiritually every day and never be complacent with my spiritual life. Amen.
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