Whole Armor of God: Wrap Up

[COMING SOON] Select your preferred podcast platform below or scroll down for the full script and links to reference materials.

Close your eyes and make sure your body feels relaxed and supported. Let go of any tension in your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. 

Take a few deep breaths. Inhale peace, calm, humility, and openness. Exhale tension, negativity, pride, and stress from your body and mind.

In this state of calm receptiveness, say a quick prayer that you will be open to any revelation the Lord has for you as you ponder.

As your breathing returns to normal, turn your thoughts and attention to the metaphor of putting on the whole armor of God. Allow your heart or mind to notice anything that feels personal, timely, or meaningful. Don’t worry about focusing on every quote or question I share. 

A few final notes on the metaphor of putting on this armor:

“Above All”

First, when mentioning the shield of faith, Paul emphasizes its importance by saying, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16) 

Why do you think the shield of faith is identified as being the most important piece of the armor of God?

Whole Armor

Despite his emphasis on the shield, Paul does say that we need to put on the WHOLE armor.

In 2004, President M. Russell Ballard said: “There is not one great and grand thing we can do to arm ourselves spiritually. True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil.” (“Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, July 2004, 8).      

Do you put on the whole armor, or part armor? In what circumstances do you tend to have the whole armor? What circumstances do you have just part of the armor? Are you prompted to do anything differently?

Armor of Light

In Romans 13:12, Paul’s letter to the saint in Rome, he says: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” 

Why do you think Paul calls it the armor of light here? What does the symbolism of light add to the metaphor? 

Be of Good Cheer

You are now ready to put on the whole armor of God and prepare for battle. Visualize yourself with your loins girded with truth, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith in one hand, the sword of the Spirit in the other, and the helmet of salvation on your head. 

Now imagine the Savior standing in front of you as you prepare to enter the battle. He looks into your eyes and says, “And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little [child]; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;” (Doctrine and Covenants 61:36.)

What obstacle are you now ready to face? What are you empowered to do?

When you are ready, take a final deep breath and slowly turn your awareness back to your body. As you open your eyes and return to your surroundings, take a moment to jot down any thoughts, promptings, or questions that came to mind while you were pondering. And, if necessary, make a plan to act on those things. If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and share it with a friend. Thank you!