You may tell what a person is by what they fight. The scripture is clear that our fight is never to be against other people, not even enemies. Our resistance against evil is not so we can define ourselves more righteous than others, but so that evil will not make inroads into our own being. Our fight must be against all evil, not just without, but within. We put on the full armor of God because there are forces against us wanting to destroy us, wanting to make us ineffective in the world, and wanting to defeat us in our goal of spiritual formation into the image and likeness of our Lord and Messiah. Resist these with your whole being.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 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.” Ephesians 6:10-15 (NASB)
