Ephesians 6:12
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.
So we spent our after school staff meeting running around the school getting shot.
Hmmm…I bet I have your attention now!
Actually, we were doing ALICE training. For years, we had been taught if an armed gunman was in the building we were supposed to lock the doors and hide the kids out of sight. We were then supposed to stay quiet and hope no one would know we were there. Then a little thing called Columbine happened and people started rethinking what was best for all. Luckily the decided being sitting ducks was not a good plan.
It took many years for them to come up with a new attack plan, but what they came up with makes a lot more sense to everyone. No longer would we be victims. We would be empowered to do what was necessary to survive. We would run and escape when we can. We would barricade doors and prepare to combat if necessary.
As the police officers began to explain the options we could come up with to confront a shooter, my mind couldn’t help wonder to Home Alone. In all reality, that is what he was telling us to do. We were to look around and see what was available and make a plan. Wait, does anyone else hear the Macgyver theme song playing?
Being a high school teacher, the first things that came to mind was, of course, throwing my overly heavy textbooks, while someone else prepared to tackle the shooter. Someone else mentioned making sure we had one of those pens you click at a windshield to break it. Our particular building only has tiny windows that most people could not fit out. Then, we got to the good stuff like the Science Teachers recommending throwing chemicals in the face of the assailant.
I quickly started putting together a mental list of objects I would like to keep in a toolbox in my room for “just in case”. Then my mind jumped to why don’t I have a spiritual safety toolbox? Then I remembered…I do!
Ephesians 6 13-18
13 So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.
14 But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. 15 Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. 16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. 17 And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.
18 Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.
Like any tools, you have to use them. They won’t do you any good if you keep them in the toolbox and just look at them. Just like my students and I becoming sitting ducks if we just sit there and stay quiet, we will become spiritual sitting ducks. We open ourselves up to sin and just like James says: “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” In other words, aim, fire, shoot! You’re dead!
Instead of being a sitting duck remember your strength comes from the Lord’s mighty power within you. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan! (Ephesians 6:10-11)
Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.
