Take It Off!

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of [God’s] power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11 (NRSV) 

When I arrived at the retreat center, my room wasn’t ready. It was 3:55, and check-in was at 4. They took my phone number and said they’d call. Not promising. 

I wandered the grounds, feeling anxious. I was spending the week with a bunch of strangers. Worse! Pastors. My thoughts alternated between all the reasons they wouldn’t like me and all the reasons I wouldn’t like them.  

Then I came across the retreat center’s labyrinth, outlined in mossy stones and surrounded by trees. I decided to walk it. And as I did, I asked God to prepare me for the week ahead. 

Paul tells the church in Ephesus to put on the armor of God. The whole armor. Which, he doesn’t mention, will necessitate taking off all the armor they’re currently wearing: The belt of half-truth. The breastplate of self-righteousness. Shoes that will let you run back to your room at the first sign of discomfort. You get the picture. 

And, in exchange, God’s armor. “Be strong in the strength of the Lord.” Which, we know from elsewhere, turns out to be weakness. A shirt so thin they can see your rapidly beating heart. Nothing to protect you. Except God. 

As I walked each circuit, God peeled it all away. The layers of my onion. The whole armor. Until, as I made my final turn toward the middle, it was just me there, open and unprotected. And when I stepped into the center (I swear, it happened!), my phone rang.  

“Mr. Amlin, we’re ready for you.” 

Prayer
Clothe me in gentleness, openness, and love. And nothing else.

About the Author
Vince Amlin is co-pastor of Bethany UCC, Chicago, and co-planter of Gilead Church Chicago, forming now.