The apostle Paul taught the parable of the Armor of God because there were many Roman soldiers in the land and when the people saw them they could be reminded of how to protect themselves against evil. The scripture is located in
Ephesians 6:11-17: "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
In the battle against Satan to gain eternal life, we do not need to provide our own Armor. Heavenly Father has provided it for us. He has provided, the word of God, Truth, Righteousness, Salvation and He also provided the Preparation of the Gospel. This comes in part by participation in the youth programs of the church. Author Corrie Tenboom said: “Satan has a good secret service. The MOMENT you step out from under God’s umbrella , you are discovered and attacked by Satan. Recognition of Satan’s attack is ½ the fight. An attacking enemy who is not recognized already has half his battle won! Never knowing where, how and when Satan will attack us. We should never be unprotected. “ So, lets look at the actual Armor the Paul talked about: Shoes: Preparation of the gospel Helmet: Salvation Sword: Spirit or Word of God Breastplate and Loins: Truth and Righteousness Back….Wait… Paul did not mention any protection for the back! What’s up with that? Want to know WHY there’s no protection for the back?
Who’s Got your back covered? As youth we’ve got: Apostles, Bishops, Home teachers, parents, Youth Leaders. They are their to help us in our battles against Satan. The Bishop is your best advocate in this battle. Now, if we’ve gotten ourselves turned around from Christ, and we are battling Satan and our Leaders have our backs covered, and we turn our selves back around towards Christ, who is ahead of us showing us the way? Those same leaders.
Heavenly Father has provided us with amazing Leaders to show us the way towards Christ and to help us in our battles against Satan. What happens, if you stop attending Church or activities? What if we take offense at something our leaders have asked for us to do? Our Armor weakens, and are back is not nearly as protected. Our leaders may be praying for us, but we have side stepped off of the path of their immediate protection. It is at this moment that Satan will find the unprotected and weak spots in our Armor and attack, in your undefended spot.
In Alma chapters 48 & 49 we find a great battle plan that shows how the youth programs can prepare us for the battles we face. In Alma Chapter 49 the Lamanites are trying to attack Moroni and the nephites. They think they know all the undefended and weak spots of the Nephites. They are quite surprised to find that the nephites are so well prepared and that their weak spots have been strengthened. The Lamanites are so surprised that they actually retreated!
The For Strength of Youth is a great way for each of us to look at our weak spots and learn how to strengthen them. Along with Seminary, and the Scriptures it helps us build our battle plan. in chapter 48 vs. 7. Building small forts or places of resort, throwing up the blanks of the earth to enclose the armies against attack: The temples, sacrament and church meetings become our Forts of security .
In Alma Chapter 49 vs. 15 along with a few other versus we learn that Moroni recognized in advance exactly what his enemies plan of attack would be. He know exactly what and where they would attack first, second etc. He prepared for this attack and everytime he was successful against the Lamanites. We can know in advance of Satans’ attack by reading our own Patriarchal Blessings, getting Priesthood blessings, Studying the For Strength of youth, and listening to the counsel of our Leaders.
In Vs. 16 we learn that Moroni couldn’t be in all places at once himself and he needed to appoint a chief captain . He appointed Lehi, whom the Lamanites feared exceedingly. This is just like our Bishops and Stake Presidents. Pres. Monson can’t be here with us, so he appointed leaders whom he knows Satan fears exceedingly to help us. We need to follow their counsel, seek their counsel. They have direct inspiration over the battle right here in this ward and stake. Satan fears them and their proper use of the Priesthood Power.
In Vs 18-21 We find that the strongest men in the city formed a body that was prepared to smite down any attempt by the Lamanites to breach the security of the city. That is our Home teachers, Our youth leaders. At this point the Lamanites were getting pretty desparate. They decided to try to tear down the reserves for the Nephites. Satan tries to tear down our reserves too. By tearing down our self worth, and fill ilt with despair, discouragement. The youth programs of the church do the perfect job of reminding us of our divine nature, our individual worth, and that we are Children of God.
In Verse 27, we see that the King over the Lamanites was very angy. He swore to kill Moroni. He actually swore to drink his blood. How must Satan feel about our Prophet today? We know how hard he worked against Joseph Smith, I'm sure he's working just as hard now. How hard is fighting against the apostles, our Stake President, Or Bishop? We need to sincerely pray for the continued strength of our leaders.
