Immanuel, Part 2: More Than Just Words

May I encourage you to pause before you read this post and read Ephesians 6:10-18 in your favorite Bible and in The Message.
This expression of Eph 6:14-18 from Peterson's "The Message" provides an easy way to approach the armor of God:
"Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare."
These elements: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation are more than words, they are foundational elements of our walk with God. We often take these for granted until they are challenged. Truth becomes extremely important when we are being deceived. Righteousness is marginal until a significant relationship is broken. Peace is overlooked until it is stripped from our lives. Faith, well we've coined the phrase "crisis of faith" that illustrates how significant this element is in our life when it is challenged. Surprisingly I have found salvation to be the most often overlooked element in my personal life. Not just overlooked, but rejected until I come to the end of my rope and realize I can't do it on my own.
One way to stay connected to Holy Spirit is first to recognize that we are spiritual beings, (Eph. 6:12). Then, to learn to apply these five elements in our daily life. A good starting point is to ask God to reveal to you how you might be neglecting Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation in your life.