Ephesians: The Christian Operations Order

In any significant endeavor, especially when the stakes are high, success hinges on a clear and detailed plan. This isn't just a loose set of ideas; it's often a formal directive. In military contexts, such a plan is called an Operations Order, or "OpOrder"—the master blueprint for action, ensuring everyone is united in purpose and understanding. An OpOrder answers critical questions, typically under five headings:

First, it clarifies the Situation: What’s the current landscape? What are our strengths and resources? What challenges or opposition do we face?
Second, it defines the Mission: What is our precise, ultimate goal? What is the one objective we must accomplish?
Third, it details the Execution: How will we achieve this mission? What’s the overall strategy and the specific actions required?
Fourth, it outlines Sustainment: What resources and support do we have? How will we be supplied, strengthened, and cared for throughout the mission?
And fifth, it establishes Command and Signal: Who is leading the operation, and how will clear communication be maintained with leadership and among all members?

Without such a comprehensive order, efforts become scattered, purpose is lost, and the mission itself is jeopardized. This very framework, so crucial for coordinating complex efforts and ensuring success in earthly endeavors, provides a profound way to understand your journey as a follower of Christ. Remarkably, the Book of Ephesians in the New Testament serves as a powerful spiritual "Operations Order" from our Heavenly Commander, Jesus Christ. This letter isn’t just a collection of inspiring thoughts; it’s your comprehensive guide to living a purposeful, God-glorifying life, especially when facing spiritual realities. It calls you from passive belief to active, strategic discipleship. As the Apostle Paul himself urges:

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles 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." (Ephesians 6:10-11, 13 NKJV)

No soldier embarks on a mission without purpose and clear directives; neither should you. Let's explore Ephesians as your personal Operations Order, equipping you for a life on mission.

First, Ephesians illuminates your spiritual situation (Ephesians 1-3). Before you can act effectively, you must understand who you are in Christ and the world you navigate. Marvel at this: even "before the foundation of the world," God chose you in Christ to be holy and blameless in His love (Eph 1:4). You are adopted into His family, redeemed through Christ’s blood, and forgiven of your sins according to the riches of His grace (Eph 1:5, 7). You are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Eph 1:3) and are His "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that you should walk in them" (Eph 2:10). This identity means you are no longer a slave to sin but free and empowered to stand firm.

Yet, this freedom places you in a spiritual reality where the struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against "principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph 6:12). The enemy is real, his primary tactic deception. But take heart! The victory is the Lord’s, for "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4b). All this unfolds within God's breathtaking plan: to unite all things in Christ, with His Church—that's you, together with all believers—making known His manifold wisdom even to the powers in the heavenly realms (Eph 1:9-10, 3:10-11).

With this understanding, your mission becomes clear. Your overarching directive is the Great Commission given by Jesus Himself: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..." (Matthew 28:19). This is the Church's generational task. Individually, as His masterpiece, your unique purpose involves those pre-ordained good works (Eph 2:10)—actions that reflect His love and spread the Good News. Every believer receives grace according to Christ’s gift (Eph 4:7), and as each part does its share, the whole body grows, edifying itself in love (Eph 4:16). Your life, your gifts, your resources—all are to be strategically deployed for His Kingdom, putting God’s glory on display.

How then do you execute this mission (Ephesians 4:1-6:9)? Paul’s heartfelt plea is to "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Eph 4:1). This isn't about legalistic rule-following, but a life overflowing with gratitude, surrendered to His will. This "worthy walk" is marked by a transformed character: "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:2-3). It means embracing a new way of life, intentionally putting off the old self, corrupted by deceitful desires, and putting on the new self, "which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph 4:22-24). This inner renewal will naturally flow into your conduct: speaking truth, controlling anger, working honestly, using uplifting speech, and showing kindness and forgiveness, just as God in Christ forgave you (Eph 4:25-32). This transformation touches every relationship—marriages, families, even work dynamics—all are to be lived out under the Lordship of Christ, with mutual submission in reverence to God (Eph 5:21-6:9).

Such a life requires sustainment, and God Himself provides everything you need (Ephesians 6:10-17). Your ultimate source is Christ. He is the Bread of Life who satisfies your deepest hunger (John 6:35) and the Living Water who quenches your spiritual thirst (John 4:14). In Him, you are complete (Colossians 2:10), and His resurrection power works in you who believe (Eph 1:19-20). For the spiritual battle, He provides His own armor. You are called to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" and to "put on the whole armor of God" (Eph 6:10-11). This heavenly equipment includes the belt of truth for integrity, the breastplate of righteousness guarding your heart, your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace for stability and readiness, the shield of faith to extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one, the helmet of salvation protecting your mind with the assurance of deliverance from God's wrath and future glory, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the very Word of God—your offensive and defensive weapon (Eph 6:14-17).

Finally, no operation succeeds without clear command and signal (Ephesians 6:18-20). Your vital communication link to your Commander is prayer. You are to be "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Eph 6:18). This isn't a ritual but a lifeline—a constant communion of dependence, praise, and petition, guided by the Spirit. Your prayers should also be for others, interceding for fellow believers and, as Paul himself requested, for the bold and clear proclamation of the gospel (Eph 6:19-20).

The Book of Ephesians, your Christian Operations Order, reveals a comprehensive and coherent strategy for a life of impact. It’s a call to move beyond disorganized faith to one that is deeply aware of your identity in Christ, your God-given mission, the conduct expected, the inexhaustible resources available, and your unwavering connection to your Commander.

Engage Intentionally
You are called by Ephesians to be an active, equipped warrior for Christ! Armed with a clear understanding of your identity, mission, Godly conduct, spiritual resources, and your vital communication with the Commander, now is the time to step out courageously in faith. Embrace your mission and intentionally engage in God’s glorious plan, living fully for Him.

Understanding Ephesians as your Heavenly Operations Order is more than an enlightening study; it’s an invitation to a transformed, purposeful life. God’s strategic plan isn't meant to remain on the page but to be actively lived out with courage and joy. How can you begin to apply these powerful truths today?

1. Embrace Your God-Given Situation:
Take time each day to reflect on your incredible identity in Christ. When doubts or old labels try to surface, consciously remind yourself: "I am chosen by God, deeply loved, forgiven, and redeemed. I am His masterpiece, uniquely created for good works" (Eph 1:4, 7; 2:10). Consider writing these truths down and reviewing them often. Let this God-defined identity be the bedrock of your confidence and purpose.
Simultaneously, be aware of the spiritual realities around you (Eph 6:12). This isn’t a call to fear, but to wisdom and reliance on Christ’s victory. Ask yourself: In what areas of my thought life or behavior might the enemy be attempting to deceive or discourage me? Bring these to God, reaffirming His truth and your position in Christ.

2. Engage Your Personal Mission:
Your life has a profound mission. Reflect on the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20). How can you, in your unique sphere of influence, contribute to making disciples? It might be through your prayers, your words, your hospitality, or by supporting others who are on the front lines.
Ponder Ephesians 2:10 again: you are created for "good works, which God prepared beforehand." Ask God this week: "Lord, what is one good work You have prepared for me to walk in today or this week?" It could be an act of kindness, an encouraging word, using a specific talent for His kingdom, or sharing the reason for your hope. Listen for His prompting, and then step forward in faith.

3. Execute Your Walk with Intentionality:
Commit daily to "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Eph 4:1). This is practical. Perhaps choose one characteristic of the "new self" – like humility, gentleness, patience, or speaking truth in love (Eph 4:2, 15, 25) – to intentionally cultivate for a week.
Examine your relationships through the lens of Ephesians 5 and 6. How can you better reflect Christ’s sacrificial love and God’s patterns of respect and care in your family, your friendships, your church community, and your workplace? Choose one relationship to focus on improving this week through Godly principles.

4. Rely on Your Heavenly Sustainment:
Consciously lean into Christ as your all-sufficient source for strength, wisdom, and peace. When you feel weak or overwhelmed, turn to Him, remembering His resurrection power is at work in you (Eph 1:19-20).
Make the Armor of God (Eph 6:10-17) a daily reality. As you begin your day, prayerfully "put on" each piece. For example: "Today, I gird myself with Your truth, Lord. I put on Your righteousness to guard my heart. I shod my feet with the readiness of Your gospel of peace. I take up the shield of faith against all doubt and fear. I wear the helmet of Your salvation, securing my mind in You. And I take up the sword of the Spirit, Your Word, to guide and defend me."

5. Maintain Your Command & Signal:
Strengthen your communication line with your Commander through prayer (Eph 6:18-20). If your prayer life feels rushed or routine, ask the Holy Spirit to revitalize it. Could you set aside a specific, undistracted time each day? Strive to pray "in the Spirit," allowing Him to guide your thoughts and requests.

Broaden your prayers to include intentional intercession. Who are the "saints" in your life who need prayerful support? How can you pray more specifically for the advancement of the gospel, both locally and globally, and for boldness for those who share it?

Step Out Courageously:
Living according to God’s Operations Order in Ephesians is a daily adventure of faith. It’s about intentionally aligning your life with His incredible plan. You have your identity, your mission, your instructions for conduct, your inexhaustible resources, and an open line to your all-powerful Commander. Now, step out courageously, live fully on mission, and watch how God works in and through you for His glory.