Read: Ephesians 6:10-18

Callie sat at the edge of her bed and put on a pair of white socks. Then she looked up and saw her brother Jackson standing in her doorway wearing one black sock and one white sock. Callie laughed. “Your socks don’t match,” she said.

Jackson looked down at his outfit. “They do too. The black one matches my black jeans and the white one matches my white t-shirt.” Jackson smiled a big toothy grin, and Callie rolled her eyes and smirked.

Just then Dad came out of his room holding a black sock and a white sock. “Have either of you seen the match to either of these socks?” he asked.

“Yeah,” said Callie. “On Jackson’s feet!” Jackson was slightly big for his age, and sometimes he borrowed Dad’s socks. Dad shook his head as Jackson stood on one foot and yanked the black sock off. He handed it to his dad in exchange for the white sock.

After breakfast, they met in the living room for their morning devotions. “Time to get dressed for the day,” Dad said.

“But we’re already dressed,” said Jackson, looking down at his clothes. “We even have matching socks!”

“I’m talking about getting dressed spiritually,” said Dad. “Think of it this way. Why is it important to wear socks?”

“Well, socks help keep our feet warm and dry,” Callie said.

“And they protect them from getting hurt by rubbing against our shoes,” Jackson added.

Dad nodded. “The Bible talks about putting on spiritual clothes called the armor of God that help and protect us. They help us remember God’s promises and protect us from the devil’s attacks. And one of the things we need to put on like socks is the gospel of peace.”

“How do we do that?” Callie asked.

“By reminding ourselves that Jesus has saved us from sin and won the victory over Satan. That means we don’t have to give in to sin or listen to the devil’s lies. One good way to remember that is to read God’s Word. The Bible reminds us what Jesus has done for us so we can feel His peace in our lives.”

Jackson smiled. “Well, let’s get started. I want to make sure I’m wearing matching gospel socks!”

–Melissa Yeagle

How about you? Do you remember to put on socks every day? What about gospel socks—do you remember to put those on every day too? You do that by remembering what Jesus has done for you and that you belong to Him. Praying, reading the Bible, and spending time with Him are ways you can put on the spiritual clothes you need to stand up against evil and feel God’s peace in your life.

Today's Key Verse: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Put on God’s armor