The Difference Between Batman And A Christian

The difference between a Christian and Batman is this: Bruce Wayne makes Batman's amor; the Christian's armor is made by God.

So, a Christian fits more along the lines of a U.S. Marine than a superhero. A superhero can fashion their own armor whereas a Marine's armor is made by the country they serve.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Here's the laundry list of armor Paul gives (and first recognize that Paul says it is "the armor of God." Not your armor. God's armor.):

1. Belt of truth - you don't determine truth; God does

2. Breastplate of righteousness - you don't determine what is righteous; God does

3. The readiness given by the gospel of peace - you don't determine the assurance of Christ's redeeming work on the cross; God does

4. Shield of faith - you don't create your faith; God does

5. Helmet of salvation - you don't secure your salvation; God does

6. Sword of the Spirit (Scripture) - you don't determine the accuracy, truth, and convicting power of Scripture; God does

This armor truly is God's armor. We don't make it and therefore we have no right to negotiate with God which pieces of the armor we can wear and which we can ignore and which we can just have but not use. Thinking Scripture isn't needed at least daily to fight for our faith is like a U.S. Marine telling his commanding officer that it's useless to carry a gun or any weapon. How insulted must God be when Christians take his armor for granted when he is giving it to them for their good?

Francis Chan writes in his book Crazy Love,

When I was in high school, I seriously considered joining the Marines; this was when they first came out with commercials for "the few, the proud, the Marines." What turned me off was that in those advertisements, everyone was always running. Always. And I hate running.

But you know what? I didn't bother to ask if they would modify the rules for me so I could run less, and maybe also do fewer push-ups. That would've been pointless and stupid, and I knew it. Everyone knows that if you sign up for the Marines, you have to do whatever they tell you. They own you.

Somehow this realization does not cross over to our thinking about the Christian life. Jesus didn't say that if you wanted to follow Him you could do it in a lukewarm manner. He said, "Take up your cross and follow me" (pg. 80).

Christians have a great and serious battle to fight. It is a battle for their faith and the faith of others in a God whose love is so extreme that he hangs on a cross to atone for the sins of his creation.

Christians are called to live a mission that is the greatest cause in the world and John Piper says it this way, "The greatest cause in the world is joyfully rescuing people from hell, meeting earthly needs, making them glad in God, and doing it with a kind, serious pleasure that makes Christ look like the Treasure he is."

So, let us go and fight for the greatest cause in the world using the impenetrable armor that God supplies by getting off the sidelines that is defined by worrying about jobs, scholarships, future happiness, and attending church regularly. Let's fight the bloody fight for joy in God no matter the cost as Christ says that His followers should.