Armor of God

A few years ago I became really intrigued with all the spiritual parallels to war, fighting, and battles that are brought up in the scriptures as well as by modern day apostles and prophets. So when reading D&C 27 this week where it talks about putting on the whole armor of God (v. 15-18), I knew what I wanted focus on for my weekly study.

In ancient days of battle, physical armor was made up of breastplates, helmets, boots and swords. Today the battles we fight are of a spiritual nature and we are told to arm ourselves with truth, righteousness, preparation, faith, the Spirit, and salvation.

But is there symbolism to be found in the role of each part of the physical armor in how it relates to its spiritual counterpart? The Come, Follow Me manual suggests that there is, and my studies this week led me to the following insights:

• Having your loins girt about with truth: protecting the procreative powers. As we learn the truth of the plan of salvation (where we came from, why we're here and where we are going) we can use that true knowledge and eternal perspective to see the divine potential in our roles in this life and then next. President Boyd K. Packer said, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behaviors” 
• Breastplate of Righteousness: protecting the heart. The heart is the life source of the body. As we protect the heart with our righteous desires, we will have the might, mind and strength to follow those desires and righteousness will define who we are.
• Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: protecting our feet. Preparing takes action. As we consistently prepare ourselves, we are in motion--acting and not being acted upon (2 Nephi 2:26). As we keep ourselves busy preparing for battle it becomes harder for our adversaries to attack us because we’re a moving object.
• Helmet of Salvation: protecting our minds. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ. Is salvation always on our minds?  As we partake of the sacrament each week and recommit to remember all that Christ has done for us we can receive the promised protection that comes: always having His Spirit to be with us .
• Shield of Faith: protecting the whole body. The shield is the only mobile piece of armor and it can move anywhere that needs extra protection. Our faith becomes that extra layer of protection for areas that have become weak and where the adversary is aiming his fiery darts.
• Sword of the Spirit: our only offensive weapon. We have to be able to hear the voice of the Spirit if we want to stay ahead of our enemies. Pres. Nelson has said "In coming days it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

Knowing that in this spiritual war, the forces of righteousness will win makes it an easy decision for me to know which side I want to fight for. 👊