A simple sentence. It was the title of something that I read several weeks ago that has stayed with me. You see, the title was meant one way and I took it another. That is, I did until I continued to read and the meaning became clear. I was surprised to find that I was reading about a completely different subject than what I was prepared for. I started wondering how many people would automatically interpret the sentence the way I did.
None of these things move me.
When you read it, what does it mean to you?
To me when I read it I thought it meant that the article was going to be about “things” that didn’t arouse the authors emotions. You know, like when you watch what is supposed to be a touching scene in a movie and it doesn’t make you feel the way it’s intended to. I was even prepared for it to be about how our hearts don’t break for the things that break Christ’s heart; that we aren’t moved to action the way we are called to in Matthew 25:40 “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”
Would it surprise you as much as it surprised me to find out the actual meaning was that none of the things the author was talking about changed her faith in Christ or moved her from Him? Here I was expecting a complaint about how nothing made her feel something, or a message about not feeling moved to do something and instead I get a message of strength and rejoicing.
None of these things move me! I stand firm in the promise of The Lord!
But how? How do we go from listening to our hearts and our minds to being able to STAND FIRM? I think His Words will always be better than mine, so how about I start with them?
Ephesians 6:11-17
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
But what does all of that mean? Here is what it means to me:
Your Truth prepares us for the action required of us as men and woman. Your Righteousness guards our hearts. The knowledge that we have been saved safeguards our minds. We can walk safely because of Your Gospel of Peace. Faith in You defends us when we are attacked. Your Word is the only thing we need to use to fight with, because while it is also a defense, it is all the offence we need.
Oh, how many times have I doubted your promise God? How many times have I listened to lies and felt afraid or confused and moved from You. How many times have I misinterpreted something’s meaning because of how my emotions directed me instead of standing firm in You? How many times have I forgotten that my defenses are ALL found in You and that I can fight my fear and all that stands against me by going back to Your Word. I am so sorry Father that I waver, that I doubt, that I do not see with my human eyes the things you want to show me with Your Holy Spirit! I know that You have given me everything I need to stand firm. Please Lord, help me to remember that ‘None of these things move me!’
