got my war clothes on.....

Do we sometimes rely on faulty armour? Ooh, ooh. Me. I do! Or, at least, I have. What would some of yours be made of?
Of course, there are things we do not want to do. Ways we do not want to break God's heart or those of others in our sphere. But maybe we think we're safe from some because of perceived outside factors that keep us "moral" instead of total dependence on The Holy Spirit and the whole armour of God.  

Here are a few potential "nevers" and their swords of cardboard.

Never would I commit adultery (easy one, because I'm unattractive. i'll never be tested on this) 
Never would I murder anyone (wishing a heart attack or praying a car off the road doesn't count) 
Never would I starve myself (because I lack self control and obsess over food) 
Never would I become bulimic (because I can't make myself throw up)
Never would I commit suicide. Who would do something so selfish? (again, easy, before you've understood how one could let these thoughts in. besides, it could hurt, right?)
Never would I steal (i've been Poor, but never destitute. and i might get caught and be embarressed)
Never would I.............................................see where I'm going here? What could you add to this list?

We are to be strong in God's mighty power. Not posturing in our own. That WILL give out.
The belt of truth gets replaced with one of "I know it all". You may, but do you live out of it?
A breastplate of righteousness. Not a moving target of emotional reasoning.
The gospel of peace leading our feet. Not the gospel of no one being mad at me. 
A shield of faith should never give to one of self-reliance.
The sword of the Spirit is not just head-knowledge.

All of our insufficient armor   WILL fail
                                              WILL give out
                                              WILL leave us wide open for attack
                                              WILL cause us to fall
It gives a false sense of security while the enemy sees all the holes and weaknesses and makes plans accordingly. We're thinking, "I'm good. I've got this". You may just long enough to be taken totally by surprise. Make sure your armour is His. Check it daily. Looks for the cracks. Duct tape ain't gonna cut it, peeps. Every time a "never" leaves your mouth, you are probably saying, "God, I don't need your covering on this one. I'm better than that.I am not THAT kind of sinner." 
I don't speak from experience, by the way. I'm totally better than that. 
The Spirit must be allowed to notify you of those places that are truly unguarded. Be honest about where your moral strength is streaming from. Also, about where our sin starts. It seeds in our own heart. It must be cut off from the inside, not blocked from without. You may only be blocking the sword of the Spirit from penetrating your heart. Not the smartest plan, Fern.
    
 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.      James 1:14-15



Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For 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.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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and,as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying 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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.                Ephesians 6:10-20


Because Humpty Dumpty can't always be put back together. 

As always, I'm preaching at the biggest sinner I know. Me.
And be very careful about saying "never".