You have a stalker …

I was impressed with the participants in a recent workshop I was teaching.

There was more than one reason I was impressed by them, but one thing that stood out as impressive to me might sound odd to you.

I was impressed that all the people attending put on their name tags.

Over the years, I’ve been in countless settings where people were requested to wear name tags, and at times it can be almost surprising at just how vociferously some people gripe and complain about such a simple request. It’s not uncommon for some to show their disdain by wearing their name tags upside down, drawing on them, or putting some silly name on the tag. Yet, name tags really do serve a simple, positive purpose – when you’re in a room of people, some of whom you don’t know, you’ll be able to immediately address people by name because of the tags.

It just makes communicating with one another easier and more effective.

It’s painless!

But you wouldn’t know that by how some people disparage the simple little name tag.

I was impressed that all of the people at the workshop never once complained about being asked to wear a name tag, they all just put them on and used them to their benefit!

It’s not just name tags people gripe about; it seems the idea of putting on something that benefits or protects us is a common topic of complaint.

Wear an apron while cooking? No thank you.

Slather on some sun block while outdoors? Ugh, it feels sticky!

Put on gloves while doing yard work? Who needs them?!

Wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle? Real men don’t wear helmets (unless the law requires it)!

Put on a pair of glasses so we can actually see what we’re doing? I look cool squinting.

Time to put on some braces …

Some shin guards …

Some ear plugs …

Some this or that.

If it helps us and/or protects us, we so often want to push against it, even in the most obvious of situations.

Like this one: You have a stalker.

Yes, you.

You have an enemy who hates you passionately and completely, and he wants to see you dead — if not physically (immediately), then at least spiritually, and eventually physically as well.

He is ruthless enough, and so full of hatred of YOU, that he will stalk you all the days of your life. He will never give up his pursuit to destroy you.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy …” John 10:10a.

That sounds horrible!

It is!

But God, your Creator, has remedied the situation, and for your protection has given you something to put on for your benefit — for your protection — against your stalker …

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on EVERY piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:10-17.

Your stalker cannot take you down if you’re decked out in what God has provided for you, but for it to be of any help to you, you actually have to put it on and wear it!

Are you?

Or do you treat the armor of God like a pesky little name tag?

Scotty