Ephesians 6:10-18 King James Version (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
In today’s sermon Pastor Jack was talking about using the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts that Satan uses to lure us into sin. For me personally, lust has always been a problem (I guess there’s a reason it’s called the original sin) and the image of someone shooting an arrow brought to mind Cupid, the patron of Valentine’s Day. Now, of course love can be a wonderful thing and who doesn’t wish to be struck with Cupid’s arrow for his or her future spouse. But let’s face it, in today’s culture Valentine’s Day is not promoted as find you future wife day – it’s more like an excuse to be promiscuous.
Let’s consider some further examples: Is Christmas about Santa Claus? Is Easter about a giant bunny rabbit who brings chocolate eggs? Some Christians may decry these holidays as being overly commercial and an excuse for businesses to make money, but I think it goes far deeper than that. Once again, elements of popular culture become veils that obscure what should be the obvious truth of God’s existence and the glory that Jesus Christ is his Son. Even people who claim to be atheistic or agnostic are defining themselves in opposition to God and Jesus. I pray thanksgiving every day for the Holy Spirit inside me who gives me discernment and dropped the scales from my eyes.