This post is a condensed version of episode 102 from the Equipped for Purpose podcast. To hear the full version, listen to the link above.
Every leader knows the pressure of making decisions when the stakes are high. But not every leader realizes there’s a battle behind the battle, a spiritual struggle that can shape outcomes before the meeting even begins.
Paul’s words in Ephesians 6 pull back the curtain. He tells us our fight isn’t ultimately against people, policies, or personalities, but against spiritual forces that oppose God’s work. And that’s not just “church talk.” It’s a leadership reality.
The Armor Isn’t a Metaphor, It’s Your Daily Equipment
Paul describes the Armor of God piece by piece, each one addressing a vulnerability every leader faces:
- Belt of Truth – Truth is your stabilizer. Without it, everything unravels. In leadership, this means resisting spin, even when a softer version of the truth seems easier. (John 8:31–32)
- Breastplate of Righteousness – Integrity guards your credibility. Compromise corrodes leadership from the inside out. (Proverbs 4:23)
- Shoes of Peace – Leaders don’t run from conflict; they move toward peace. This posture keeps the mission moving forward, even in tension. (Romans 12:18)
- Shield of Faith – Faith doesn’t just stop attacks; it neutralizes them. Fear, cynicism, and comparison lose their power when you trust God’s promises. (Hebrews 11:6)
- Helmet of Salvation – Security in Christ frees you from leading for approval. You already have God’s “yes” in Jesus. (Romans 8:38–39)
- Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God doesn’t just defend; it discerns and confronts lies. It’s only sharp if you train with it daily. (Hebrews 4:12)
Prayer: The Atmosphere That Makes Armor Work
Paul ties the armor directly to prayer (Eph 6:18). Without prayer, the armor remains theory, something we nod to but never fully use. With prayer, it becomes a lived reality. That’s why leaders must cultivate daily rhythms of prayer and Scripture meditation, creating space for God to strengthen and guide.
One practice I recommend is the 10/10/10 Rhythm: ten minutes in the Word, ten in prayer, ten in journaling, focused on one piece of armor you’re intentionally “wearing” that day.
Equip Your Team with Spot • Shield • Speak
Your leadership armor matters, but so does your team’s. The Spot • Shield • Speak framework makes it practical:
- Spot – Discern the battle. Is it spiritual opposition, normal conflict, or immaturity?
- Shield – Choose the right defense. Deception? Truth. Disunity? Peace. Doubt? Faith.
- Speak – Wield Scripture directly and specifically into the situation.
This framework helps teams respond biblically and consistently, building a culture of discernment and courage.
Why This Matters for Leaders
An armored leader doesn’t just survive; they help others stand. Truth becomes the standard. Integrity becomes contagious. Peace overrides division. Faith overcomes fear. Security replaces insecurity. And the Word sets the agenda over the world’s noise.
The battle is real, but so is God’s provision. Stand firm, not as a lone hero, but alongside others wearing the same armor, under the same Commander. That’s how cultures change, trust grows, and God’s mission advances where you live and lead.