Teaching Kids the Armor of God for Spiritual Protection
Teaching Kids the Armor of God for Spiritual Protection
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
As moms, we do everything we can to protect our children—from scraped knees to broken hearts, from unkind words to unseen dangers. But beyond the physical and emotional, there’s a deeper reality we can’t overlook: our kids face spiritual battles too.
That may sound heavy, but here’s the good news—God has already given us a way to prepare them. In Ephesians 6, Paul describes the Armor of God: a powerful, hope-filled picture of how He equips us to live strong and brave in a sometimes confusing world.
When we teach our kids about this armor, we’re helping them understand that God gives us tools to live bravely and faithfully—even in a world that sometimes feels confusing or unkind.
Teaching our kids about this armor doesn’t have to be complicated or scary. In fact, it can be fun, creative, and memorable. Let’s walk through each piece in kid-friendly language, with simple ideas you can use at home.
1. The Belt of Truth
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...” — Ephesians 6:14
- What it means: Just like a belt holds everything together, God’s truth keeps our lives steady. When kids know what God says—that they are loved, chosen, and forgiven—they’re less likely to believe lies.
- How to teach it:
- Play a “truth or lie” game with silly statements.
- Memorize key verses like John 14:6 or Psalm 139:14.
- Craft a paper belt decorated with God’s truths.
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
“...with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” — Ephesians 6:14
- What it means: A breastplate protects the heart. When kids make good choices, they guard their hearts from sin and guilt—and when they fall short, Jesus’ righteousness covers them.
- How to teach it:
- Talk about choosing kindness at school or with siblings.
- Write a short prayer asking God for help to do what’s right.
- Make a cardboard breastplate with “Jesus makes me right” written on it.
3. The Shoes of Peace
“...with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” — Ephesians 6:15
- What it means: God’s peace helps us walk into each day calm and confident, even when life feels scary or uncertain.
- How to teach it:
- Trace their feet and write “God’s peace walks with me” on the cutouts.
- Role-play moments of choosing peace instead of conflict.
- Remind them Jesus goes with them wherever they go.
4. The Shield of Faith
“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” — Ephesians 6:16
- What it means: Faith protects us from fear, doubt, and lies. When kids trust God is with them, they can block out negative thoughts and peer pressure.
- How to teach it:
- Create a “faith shield” from cardboard or a paper plate.
- Write fears or worries on paper “arrows” and practice blocking them with the shield.
- Talk about Bible stories where faith helped someone stand strong.
5. The Helmet of Salvation
“Take the helmet of salvation...” — Ephesians 6:17
- What it means: A helmet protects the mind. When kids know they belong to Jesus, they can think with hope, truth, and confidence.
- How to teach it:
- Decorate a paper helmet with the word “Saved.”
- Explain salvation in simple terms: Jesus loves you and rescued you.
- Practice choosing God-honoring thoughts together.
6. The Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word)
“...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” — Ephesians 6:17
- What it means: God’s Word is our greatest weapon—it helps us fight fear, temptation, and lies with truth.
- How to teach it:
- Make a foam or cardboard sword with a favorite verse taped to it.
- Say verses aloud like a “battle cry.”
- Remind them that Jesus used Scripture to resist temptation.
Making the Armor Real: Everyday Application
Learning about the armor is powerful but putting it on is what makes it come alive. You can help your kids start each morning with a simple prayer like:
“God, help me wear Your armor today. Help me speak truth, make good choices, walk in peace, trust You, remember I’m saved, and fight with Your Word. Amen.”
Make it fun by pretending to “put on” each piece—buckling the belt, lifting the shield, fastening the helmet. They’ll laugh at the motions, but the truth will take root in their hearts.
Final Thoughts: Raising Warriors in the Word
Our kids don’t need to be afraid of the battles ahead. They just need to know they are never fighting alone. With God’s armor, they are covered, equipped, and empowered to stand strong in His love and truth.
So, Mama, keep teaching, guiding, and praying over them. And remind them often:
You are strong in the Lord. You are protected. You are never alone.
You are strong in the Lord. You are protected. You are never alone.