Last month a bridge over a major interstate highway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed during the evening rush hour. Thirteen people died in this tragedy. It was a shock to the nation. As one U.S. senator said, "Bridges in America just don't fall down."

This incident, along with several other examples of the failure of vital public works, has highlighted the need for America to pay closer attention to maintaining its infrastructure—the system of roads and utilities that make the cities and towns work in an orderly manner.

This whole subject got me to thinking about our "spiritual infrastructure," the elements that help us to function successfully as Christians in today's world. This led me to Ephesians chapter 6, where the apostle Paul describes the armor of God. Paul did a masterly study on the gear worn by a Roman soldier and compared it to the clothing a Christian must put on in the daily struggle against evil and the challenges of life.

Just reading this passage reminds me of the fight we have to live according to God's way. Life is a spiritual battle. Notice what he says: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:10-13).

Here is one of the great realities of life. This world is not what it seems. There is more going on than meets the eye. There are spiritual rulers working behind the scene and orchestrating the movements of events on a global level.

Paul acknowledges this and shows us that we also are prey to Satan and his demonic powers. World leaders may not recognize this, but we should. Our spiritual success depends on us acting on this intelligence. Otherwise we will not be able to stand each day and live as we should.

It is easy to forget this reality and think things are going smoothly. The hard truth is we have been thrown into a struggle for eternity, and the forces arrayed against us are spiritual. But God gives us the spiritual armor to do battle.

One of the pieces of armor Paul lists is to have our "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (verse 15, New International Version). The gospel of the Kingdom of God is a message of peace—lasting peace for the nations. It is what motivates our forward movement as Christians. It first gives us the peace of mind and quiet courage we need to combat the challenges of daily life. It is what gives us peace with God, knowing His plan and purpose for each of us and all of humanity. We don't have to rail at God as if He is an unknown and His ways unknowable.

It is a foundation of peace to which we can return when we have to walk near or through the dark valleys of life. This knowledge of the Kingdom of God transforms and drives our life each day. It is the good news we want to share with others. That is why it is on our feet. The gospel gives us the motivation of a life filled with purpose and meaning.

I urge you to read this passage in Ephesians 6 and look at all the pieces of armor given to us to stand each day and fight for the Kingdom of God. Ask yourself how much of the armor you put on each morning and how effectively it is used to advance the cause of the Kingdom. This is how we apply the principle Christ taught to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

These are just a few thoughts to help us keep our "spiritual infrastructure" well maintained. Our spiritual life depends on it.

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