Your Suit of Armor

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28)

Four hundred years before Christ spoke these words, a Greek teacher named Socrates was on trial for his life. He had refused to worship the Greek gods. His judges loved him but, because of his crime, they could not grant him mercy. Socrates, however, didn't ask for mercy. "Be of good cheer, O judges, about death," he said in parting, "and know for certain that no evil thing can happen to a good man either in life or after."

"Fear Not!" That is the Christian's suit of armor. He knows that only God can really touch him. Man can do nothing to hurt you, for, if he should kill you, he only hastens you on to a fuller life beyond the grave.

The Christian's suit of armor protects him against fear. He does not fear what people may say about him when he stands up for what is right. He is not afraid to stand up against the crowd and say or do what he thinks is right. He can say "NO!" to evil suggestions. He can say, "Yes, I believe, and I am proud to say so!"

People may laugh at you for refusing to cheat at exams or for refusing to make fun of someone who speaks and looks different. They may get angry with you if you admit you didn't touch second base and maybe lose the game. They may jeer at you for choosing to attend choir practice instead of going to the big party, but they can't hurt you.

I will wear with pride, O God, the shining armor of truth. I will neither cause it to tarnish nor rust from neglect.