If you are older than a three-year-old, then you know the story of The Three Little Pigs. To summarize, there was a wolf who wanted to eat a piggy for dinner. The 1st piggy-not so bright, built a house of straw; the 2nd one, also not the sharpest nail in the door, built a house of sticks, while the 3rd piggy built a house of bricks. Not knowing their enemy, the first two pigs were not wise with their house building techniques. They underestimated the hungry wolf, and he just blew their houses over. Yet, the last little piglet was a smart little swine, and he knew the wolf did not have enough wind in his pipes or muscles in his body to knock the brick house down.

Similar to the 3rd little piggy, Christians need to be Wiser Than the Ways of the Wolf. Thus, it is important to study the enemy who seeks to destroy (John 10:10). The best defense is actually a combination of both an offensive strategy with a defensive stance. Therefore, by understanding the characteristics of Satan who is a liar, murderer, destroyer, deceiver, a thief, a tempter, and a distorter - a Christian can stand firm and NOT be knocked down. The offensive house you strategically build must be on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-27)

Next, since Satan also roams around like a roaring lion just looking for someone to devour (1Peter 5:8), and he has a host of fallen angels who savagely seek to destroy God’s flock, Christians must employ a defensive stance too. To illustrate, the Bible explains how putting on the armor of God is vital for a believer to remain strong. The only way to stand firm against the devil’s schemes is to put on the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness; have feet fitted with Peace; hold up your Shield of Faith; wear the Helmet of Salvation; and tightly grasp the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Realistically, during these troubling times of Covid-19, what does this offense and defense plan look like in 2020? First, let us discuss the best offensive plan by thinking of your body as a temple built for the Lord (the 3rd pig’s house). This is the Holy Spirit’s dwelling place, and you must take care of it (1Corinthians 6:19). This means eat well-balanced portioned meals (Proverbs 23:2); get plenty of rest by turning off the tv, computer, smartphone, and go to bed; exercise 30-minutes with a cardio or strength-training routine at least 3 times a week. This does NOT include normal daily activities such as cleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, or even walking the dog around the block. Thus, find an exercise that increases your heart rate such as: brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming, aerobics, or stair-stepping. When we take care of our bodies, we are helping establish an offensively, strong immune system that will fight when pestilences try to invade.

Now that we have established an offense, it is time to focus on the defense. I use the terms differently because the Armor of God is designed to proactively defend yourself against this enemy. First, wrap that the Belt of Truth around your waist. Never forget Jesus is the way, the truth, and life (John 14:6). Second, don on the Breastplate of Righteousness for it covers your core. A Christian must remember he/she is made righteous ONLY through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Third, readily follow the Footsteps of the Prince of Peace or He is the only One who can keep you on track. Fourth, use your Shield of Faith to block the evil arrows of Satan’s attack. Finally, safeguard your head with the Helmet of Salvation (there is no other path to Heaven) while holding onto the Sword of the Spirit, the Bible.

These items are not mere recommendations they are necessities, especially for spiritual warfare. Each day you spend reading the Bible, completing devotionals, listening to Praise and Worship music, and praying, you are establishing a strong tower with Holy-Spirit fortified walls. Hence, although Covid-19 can try to huff and puff, it cannot blow you down because you have the ability to activate the same Power Who raised Jesus from the grave - He lives in you and is stronger and wiser than he who lives in the world (Romans 8:11).

**any NEW exercise routine must be approved by your Primary Physician.
*Acts 20:29 - I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.