January 23

God designs each part of the armor for a particular purpose; therefore, the saint must be properly attired. In other words, it will not do to cover the heart with the helmet, or to hold the buckler where the breastplate ought to be. Indeed, there is a series of graces, each with a special function to bring life and health to the soul-- much like the network of veins and arteries which carries blood through the body. Prick one vein, and the blood of the whole man may spill from that outlet; neglect one duty, and the strength of all the graces may bel lost.

The apostle Peter urged Christians to increase the whole body of grace. Is this not true health-- when the whole body thrives? Faith is the grace which leads the procession. If you have faith, then add virtue: "Add to your faith virtue," says Peter (2 Peter 1:5). These graces are of mutual benefit to one another. Good works and gracious actions get their life from faith; faith, in turn, fattens and becomes strong on works-- so says Martin Luther.

Your works may bear luscious-looking fruit, but you are not safe from the devil's blight unless you add to your virtue knowledge. Knowledge is to faith as sunshine is to the farmer. Without it, faith cannot see to do her work. Nor can the work, once finished, be adequately inspected in the dim light of half-truths. If you do not ground yourself in the truth of the Gospel, Satan will play upon your ignorance to thwart your spiritual growth. He has a clever proposition for every occasion. In one instance he may try to persuade you that you are not humble enough, and cause the weeds of self-condemnation to choke out the assurance of your salvation. Another time, he will flatter you into a false sense of pride in your humility, and the pestilence of self-righeousness will wipe out the Spirit's crop of fruit in your life. Satan is not particular what lie he tells you; one will work as powerfully as another if he can get you to believe it.

Return to menu
Previous devotions