Protection Duty (Humility)

 

If you ever get the chance to visit the palace of a king or Sultan, whether you actually go inside, or just to drive by, you'll note strong walls surrounding the perimeter.  Guards toting guns stand sentinal at iron gates, guarding, protecting and defending the king.  They're doing their level best to keep him and his family safe from would-be attackers.

Similarly, being at church we are told to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  We must become guards.  But not with guns, of course!  We must protect and defend with the armor of God in place, standing firm and praying.  These are our weapons.

With sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, in our hand and the belt of truth clasped about our waists, we stand up against Satan and his evil minions.  God's truth guards against false teachers who wish to creep in, confusing and dividing the believers.

Another important weapon we can wield is our humility.  This armament protects against jealousy, gossip, selfishness, pride, resistance to learning and being corrected, and comparing our God-given gifts and talents with others.

These expressions of humility in church settings protect against people who wish to hurt or harm God's people.  In this way we can guard, protect, defend and keep the unity of the spirit.

Even though we, as individuals, may feel inadequate to do much, I believe we can begin our 'protection duty' by thinking about how we can be a part of this 'secret service' among the Lord's people more effectiviely, ensuring keeping the unity of the Spirit for a great and mighty King of kings.

Making and taking small steps towards this action can begin with learning about what humility is, and then actively growing in it.  An abundance of small steps eventually adds up to something much more comprehensive.

We can each do our part to guard, protect, defend and keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in whichever gathering of followers of Jesus Christ we happen to meet with.  Pray.  Stand.  Guard.  Protect.

Heavenly Father, help me to be more conscious and alert to keeping the unity of the Spirit.  My part may be small, but together with Your other children and Holy Spirit's help, we can effectively accomplish our protection duty for You.  Thank You so much for Your help and Your Word.  We need all the help we can get.  I ask in King Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                ~  ERC  February 2026 ~

Based on Ephesians 4:3; 6:10-18 and James 3:16.

Sing, Bind Us Together Lord, along with Rockwood First Congregational Church.