As parents, we educate our children to ensure that, once on their own, they can provide for themselves and prosper. But there is more to this life than choosing the right school, finding the right job, or climbing the corporate ladder. Whether or not we want to admit it, we are surrounded by spiritual battles, both inward and outward. We must prepare our sons for battle as we prepare them for every other aspect of life. Here are six ways to equip your son to fight spiritual battles.
1. Help him understand scripture.
I’ve always told my sons that while memorizing scripture is important, understanding scripture is even more important. Your son must understand that Ephesians 6:13-18 is not just a story they learned as children while dressing up in a plastic suit of armor. The Lord instructed us to “Take up the whole armor of God that we may be able to withstand in the evil day.”
If your son was serving his country and fighting in battle, he would be dressed accordingly. He would be garbed in camo and carry a firearm. Don’t send your son out into the world to fight spiritual battles without the proper attire. Your son should understand what it means to fasten on the belt of truth, to put on the breastplate of righteousness, to walk in the readiness given by the gospel of peace. He should carry the shield of faith, which can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. He must take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.