But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV
As children of the day (1 Thess. 5:5), how should we live in a world of darkness? Paul tells us, first of all, to be sober, or self-controlled. I need to control what I say, how I respond to other people, and my attitudes and appetites. Why? Because, as God’s people, we are expected to be different than the people of this world who live in darkness. Self-control can be challenging, but we have a secret weapon–the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:1-17).
Putting on . . .
Part of living a self-controlled life is putting on faith, love, and hope. These are compared with the armor Paul’s readers would likely have seen Roman soldiers wearing. Armor that would protect them from any threats that might come their way. In the same way, faith, love, and hope can protect me as a child of God and enable me to live a self-controlled life.
. . . Faith
As a believer, I am to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). To trust that God is in control despite appearances. And to remain faithful to him and his call in my life, regardless of my circumstances or what might be going on in the world.
. . . Love
As a believer, I am to live a life of love (1 John 4:16). This does not mean I must have warm, cuddly feelings about everyone I encounter. It does mean that I choose to do what is best for them. That my words build up rather than tear down. And that I put the interests of others ahead of my own (Phil. 2:4).
. . . and Hope
And I am to put on the hope of salvation. Hope looks ahead, in this case, to the salvation that awaits me. Hope can sustain me when times are discouraging or hard. It can keep me marching forward as I look to the goal that lies ahead, even when the way is hard.
Putting on faith, love, and hope is not a one-time occurrence. I need to continue to live by faith and love. And to keep my eyes fixed on the hope that awaits me. Day by day, Hour by hour. And minute by minute. Every moment of every day. Be self-controlled, putting on faith, love, and hope.
