Christian communicators need a clear view of what they are getting into. No matter how creative you might be, if you are carrying the banner of Jesus Christ, you will become the target for attack.

Pick any subject; and the world will object to it, going to varying lengths to marginalize it to the lunatic fringe.

Thank you, social media.

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The times of “cultural Christianity” when society held some level of respect or acceptance for church leaders and attenders are gone. The gloves are off.

We were probably getting too comfortable anyway. God’s plan is offensive, and there’s no way to make it less offensive. It’s God in us, against the world, which is more than sufficient.

How do you prepare yourself spiritually for writing and communicating God’s truth? The same way it has been for two thousand years. The apostle Paul outlined the plan in the last chapter of his letter to the Christians at Ephesus.

First, Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV):

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

For specifics, the text goes on in verses 14-17 (NIV):

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness (v. 14): For writers, this is the first step, preparing your message and living a life of integrity. Hidden agendas will destroy you. A sincere faith and a life of integrity will prevail against evil.

Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (v. 15): Writers need good footwear, metaphorically speaking. When someone has a stable foundation, they will not waver.

Shield of faith (v. 16): God protects his children spiritually. A shield of faith for a writer is the protection from arrows, which are plentiful these days. The enemy hates a Christ-follower. Trusting in God’s protection is far more than platitudes or something making you feel better in the moment. It is the eternal Father protecting his children.

Helmet of salvation and Sword of the Spirit (v. 17): For writers, these have an element of defending and attacking. The helmet covering your head is to protect from the mind games of discouragement and temptation; and the sword is the Word of God, which is the greatest weapon we have.

Only Christ-followers have any idea what this passage in Ephesians means. It is true, it is powerful, it is only for God’s children.

Armor up, Christian writer.