A number of years ago dental research revealed that the use of fluoride in the diet could reduce the incidence of tooth decay. No one knows why this works, but it seems to toughen the enamel against the inroad of harmful bacteria, acting as a sort of enamel armor. Since the normal diet does not contain sufficient amount of fluoride, many cities now add fluoride to the municipal water supply, albeit this is a controversial procedure. Of course this does not replace such decay prevention practices as daily brushing and flossing or picking.
Just as we need to put armor on our teeth and build up our body's defense against decay and disease, it is even more important that we do all that we can to prevent Satan from harming us spiritually, which would be a lot more serious than holes in our teeth. Paul gives us a prescription in the sixth chapter of Ephesians for total protection from his attacks. He uses the metaphor of the armor of a knight of old to describe what he calls "the whole armor of God," whole indicating that no essential part is missing. This complete suit of armor consists of a helmet, a belt, a breastplate, shoes, a shield, and a sword.
Satan would certainly take advantage of any weakness or chink in this suit of armor, so we must be very careful to keep it in good condition. Is our belt of faith based on the truth as presented in the Bible or are we being deceived into believing a lie or a cunningly devised fable? Is our breastplate the righteousness of Christ or is it composed of dead works and endeavors of human devising? Are our shoes treading the paths of peace or are we motivated by bitterness, strife, or revenge? Is our faith strong enough to resist the temptations of selfishness and pride? Have we chosen the difficult and narrow upward path of self-sacrifice and self-discipline that lead to salvation, or are we following the easy, broad path of compromise that leads to destruction? Finally, have we grasped the sword of the spirit to wage an aggressive offensive against the enemy?
The full armor of God has been provided to shield us from the arrows of the enemy. By donning this protective covering our spiritual health is shielded from decay by divine fluoridation.
