“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

There has been much attention given to the armor of God Paul describes here.  I don’t need to try and re-say any of that.  What I do want to point out, though, is an observation I have only ever heard once (although it has no doubt been made many more times).  As you look at the various pieces of armor, there is not anything to protect our backsides.  Our role in the kingdom is to push constantly forward for its advancement.  There are not opportunities to turn back and move the other way.  If we try, we are guaranteed to take a shot in the back.  These will hurt a great deal more than anything we might face in front of us.

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, things only move in one direction: Forward.  What’s more, Jesus is always on the move.  If we stand still, He will leave us behind.  There are times for rest and He will provide that, but our way is always forward.  This armor will do us no good if we don’t use it.