There is something very crucial to a Star Fleet Vessel: shields. A shield is a force field created to protect a vessel not only from enemies, but also from natural occurrences as well. It is projected around a ship in times of attack and danger.
Shields are mentioned quite often in the Star Trek world; I have seen how having shields has saved my favorite crew (of Voyager) as well as other Star Trek crews several times. I always thought it would be cool to have my own shield - there are even many scientists working on developing such a thing - I'm excited for when they do. However, I wanted to share a perspective that I have on Star Treks shields and how they relate to faith...
First off, I'll start with a scripture from Ephesians when it is talking about putting on the armor of God; "stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparations of the gospel of peace;" then it goes on to my favorite part - the reason for this blog... "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked."*
The shield of faith! It's funny because on Star Trek, a shield is something that is not seen unless it is hit. An enemy wouldn't even know a shield was up until their weapons were stopped by it. In real life though, you can look at a person and be able to tell that he or she has faith. If faith is strong enough it can be seen in a persons countenance.
I've seen episodes of Star Trek where when desperately trying to keep their ship and themselves safe; the crew diverts all power from everything including lights, turbo lifts, life-support, replicators, and even weapons to the shields so that they may survive. Shields have proven critical to their survival. When every offensive tactic has failed they rely on their strongest defense. It is the same in our everyday lives as well: when all else fails we can rely on our faith in the Lord.
Shield strength is determined by the power put into it. It is the same with us: the power of our faith depends on how much effort we put into building it. The way a crew maintains their shields so as to be ready for use is simple - regular everyday maintenance. We can do the same for our shield of faith. We do this by saying our prayers, reading scriptures, going to church, and so on - everyday! Not just when we feel like it or when we need it. I've never heard the captain of a Star Fleet vessel say "oh check the shields and make sure they are working" in the middle of a battle. On the contrary - he or she simply states "raise the shields" without a doubt that they will work.
I can testify that we will be able to have that same confidence in our shield of faith - when we need it to protect us it will have the necessary strength - if we are constantly building it up a little at a time every single day.
*Eph 6:14-16
