Monday, August 4 Put on the breastplate . . . and the . . . helmet.​—1 Thess. 5:8.

[Áine]

Monday, August 4

Put on the breastplate . . . and the . . . helmet.—1 Thess. 5:8.

 

The apostle Paul compares us to soldiers who are alert and dressed for battle. A soldier on active duty is expected to be prepared for battle at all times. It is similar with us. We remain ready for Jehovah’s day by wearing a breastplate of faith and love and a helmet of hope. A breastplate protected a soldier’s heart. Faith and love protect our figurative heart. They will help us to keep serving God and following Jesus. Faith assures us that Jehovah will reward us for seeking him with all our heart. (Heb. 11:6) It will move us to remain loyal to our Leader, Jesus, even if we have to endure hardships. We can build the faith to face life’s challenges by noting modern-day examples of individuals who maintained integrity despite persecution or economic hardship. And we can avoid the snare of materialism by imitating ones who simplified their life to put Kingdom interests first. w23.0610 ¶8-9