Some may think the worst thing that can happen to you in art is a paper cut. However, there are many dangers that you must be aware of in art. Products, tools, and procedures require great attention in order to be safe. At the elementary level we are constantly reinforcing scissor safety, refraining from putting small fingers into pencil sharpeners, and not eating the glue (IT HAPPENS!). At the middle school & high school level, teachers are introducing hot glue guns, paints & products that could cause issues if ingested or contact with the eyes/skin, linoleum block printing, and other cutting tools that may be new to students and pose a risk if handled improperly. "Don't touch that, don't eat that, don't stick that there...etc" ha ha Honestly though, life is full of "things" that can be dangerous if we do not protect ourselves & consider safety first. Knowing the danger, having a plan in place for protection, and always handling things with great care will minimize possible risk. Safety requires a plan!
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 your 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 the 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.
Ephesians 6:10-13
Every day we are faced with multiple situations that have "risk".....to our personal, mental, relational, professional, and spiritual life. These risks take many forms, but there are ways we can prepare ourselves and minimize potential risk. God's Word speaks of our need to be prepared. The passage in Ephesians that discusses the Armor of God lays out exactly we need to do to prepare ourselves and to be ready for battle against those things that come our way.
Helmet of Salvation
Breastplate of Righteousness
Belt of Truth
Shield of Faith
Sward of the Spirit
Feet Fitted with Peace
Many of us learned the Armor of God in Sunday School as children. However, do we put them into practice in our daily lives? When we don't have a plan for safety, we place ourselves at risk of being hurt/injured. We open ourselves up to become less effective for the Kingdom of God! Maybe we think we are "ok"...or not at risk, but that is exactly when "things" happen. We cannot be so confident/comfortable that we neglect what God has given us for our own safety & His glory! Where in your life do you need to put in place a "safety plan". What piece of armor do you seem to be lacking in your day to day? How can "safety" make you a more effective believer?
Thank you for sharing this. When I wake up tomorrow, I will consciously put on the Armour of God one piece at a time before I put my feet on the ground for the day. Thank you for the reminder.
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