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...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.

  - Ephesians 6.10, 11, 13

For none is crowned save him who has striven lawfully, and none strives lawfully in his first contest. We must therefore strive first, then stand and apply ourselves in warfare, that later we may strive lawfully.

  - Columbanus, Sermon II, Irish, 7th century

Columbanus’ point seems to be that we strive best against the wiles and warfare of the devil when we stand firm in the Law of God.

He suggests that this is not the first line of defense believers typically deploy, but if they continue striving against the devil they will ultimately “strive lawfully” and thus gain the crown of victory.

At first glance it seems perhaps a strange notion that we should wage the spiritual warfare by more carefully devoting ourselves to the Law of God. But if we think about it, it only makes sense. After all, how did Jesus repulse the devil in the wilderness? By quoting the Law of God and submitting Himself to it with each of the three temptations.

The Law of God is holy and righteous and good. It is able to show us what sin is and to guide us along the path of righteousness (Rom. 7.7, 12). What harm can befall us if we shelter there?

The contemporary notion, held by so many believers, that the Law of God is contrary to grace and growth in the Lord is completely overthrown by Columbanus’ teaching, Jesus’ example, and Paul’s counsel. As the spiritual warfare heats up and believers are subjected to more temptations and more attacks by an unbelieving age, we must strive against the enemy of our soul by standing firm in the Law of God.

Standing firm in the Law won’t save us – only Jesus can do that. But standing in the Law will enable us to know the requirements of love (Matt. 22.34-40) and thus equip us to fulfill our callings as followers of Christ.

Here is a firm foundation from which to launch our Kingdom initiatives of light and truth in an age of darkness and unbelief. Don’t let people tell you that we no longer need the Law of God. Jesus said that living and teaching the Law of God is the way of Kingdom greatness (Matt. 5.17-19).

So where does that leave ignoring or even despising God’s holy and righteous and good Law?

Psalm 19.7, 8 (St. Christopher: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”)
The Law of God is perfect, His testimony sure;
The simple man God’s wisdom learns, the soul receives its cure.
God’s Word is right, and His command is pure, and truth imparts;
He makes our eyes to understand; with joy He fills our hearts.

Lord, like Patrick, Columbanus, and great saints of every age, help me to keep your blessed commandments in all things, and let bright deeds of love show forth from me to all people. Adapted from Sechnall, Audite Omnes Amantes