Ephesians 6:1-20

MARK 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

“The Whole Armor of God”

with the children (10:30 service)

(I stand up front with a “treasure chest,” with the children seated around it.)

Wouldn’t it be great if we had some kind of “secret weapon” or “magic protection” to help us when we have to deal with mean people or bullies, or people who try to tempt us to do the wrong thing? (Reaction.)

Well, do you think there’s a light saber in here, like the Jedi knights had in “Star Wars”? (“No.”) Do you think there’s an invisibility cloak in here, like Harry Potter has in those books and movies? (“No.”) Are those just make-believe? (“Yes.”) Aw, shucks. Well, what could help us?

Let’s look at the Bible!

Hmm. Paul says that we should “put on the whole armor of God.” Wow! That would help!

God is powerful, God is real, and God is also invisible. Do you think God’s armor is invisible, too? (Reactions.) Well, let’s get the list of what’s in here (brings lectionary book), open up the treasure chest and see.

Hmm. (Pantomime.) Fasten on the belt of truth around our waists. Everyone have belts on? Remember that telling the truth is as important as wearing a belt, and telling the truth can protect you! Next, put on “the breastplate of righteousness.” That’s like a spiritual “bulletproof” vest we have on when we’re living rightly – the way God wants us to – by treating others the way we want to be treated.

Next, shoes. Good shoes are important! Our “spiritual shoes” are what help us to tell people about God’s peace! For a helmet, we have salvation – remembering (tap our heads) that God invites everyone to live so that they can live with God in heaven, filled with joy and love.

Ah, here it is: the shield of faith! How many people here are right-handed? (Hands.) Then your shields are carried on your left arms (pantomime). How many people here are left-handed? (Hands.) Then your shields are carried on your right arms. The shield is our faith in God, believing and trusting in God to guide us.

So, when someone is saying mean things to you, “shields up” (pantomime) to block those mean words – and to help you not to be mean back! When someone is trying to tempt you to do something wrong – “shields up” and block that temptation. When someone is trying to get you angry so you’ll get in trouble – “Shields up” and block their efforts! Use the shield of your faith in God to block bad thoughts from coming into you.

Finally (I reach into the treasure chest), the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” By reading and following the Bible, we can protect ourselves, and help others with our prayers for them, so this is the way we hold this sword (hands together as in prayer).

So, let’s remember (pantomime): the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit. That’s invisible but real armor and an invisible but real weapon to protect against evil, which can be invisible, but certainly is real!

And this spiritual armor and weapon comes in all sizes, for grownups as well as kids!

(The Rev.) Francis A. Hubbard

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

Monmouth Junction, NJ