In the world today there are temptations that attack, evil influences that distract, and spiritual plagues that grind away at our souls. They come from every angle and attempt to constantly scourge us. They appear in magazines, television soap operas, computer screens and other media, and even in those that we deem worthy to be called our friends. Who is the director of all this evil? The response is as clear as it is obvious: Satan. In his fight against his brothers he does all within his power to make us miserable like unto himself--utilizing a litany of methods that include pornography, jealousy, and pride. Reflecting on the vast and destructive effort undertaken by the adversary, I ask myself: How can we protect ourselves and remain clean in the eyes of the Lord?
Perhaps Paul's counsel shows us the way:
Put on the whole aarmour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil... Stand therefore, having your loins agirt about with btruth, and having on the cbreastplate of drighteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of apeace; Above all, taking the shield of afaith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery bdarts of the wicked. And take the helmet of asalvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:11-18).
Nephi's vision of the Church of Christ in the latter days also teaches us something of great importance:
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were aarmed with brighteousness and with the cpower of God in great glory" (1 Nefi 14:14).
My beloved brothers and sisters, the only way to protect ourselves against the great wickedness that surrounds us is to put on the armour of our God. The whole armour. If we excuse ourselves on the smallest of points, we will be discovered and attacked. Even in a perverse world as ours we have, as Nephi saw, the power of the Lord in great glory. If we make the effort to keep the commandments of God and seek to develop virtue, we will have peace and protection. Which part of your armour is the weakest right now? I invite you to make plans to strengthen it so that you can withstand the onslaught. Remember that the result of the war against evil is already determined. Jesus Christ and his followers will conquer. I pray that we will be suited sufficiently to stand at the last day and avoid the possibility of becoming a "Christian casualty."
Perhaps Paul's counsel shows us the way:
Put on the whole aarmour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil... Stand therefore, having your loins agirt about with btruth, and having on the cbreastplate of drighteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of apeace; Above all, taking the shield of afaith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery bdarts of the wicked. And take the helmet of asalvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:11-18).
Nephi's vision of the Church of Christ in the latter days also teaches us something of great importance:
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were aarmed with brighteousness and with the cpower of God in great glory" (1 Nefi 14:14).
My beloved brothers and sisters, the only way to protect ourselves against the great wickedness that surrounds us is to put on the armour of our God. The whole armour. If we excuse ourselves on the smallest of points, we will be discovered and attacked. Even in a perverse world as ours we have, as Nephi saw, the power of the Lord in great glory. If we make the effort to keep the commandments of God and seek to develop virtue, we will have peace and protection. Which part of your armour is the weakest right now? I invite you to make plans to strengthen it so that you can withstand the onslaught. Remember that the result of the war against evil is already determined. Jesus Christ and his followers will conquer. I pray that we will be suited sufficiently to stand at the last day and avoid the possibility of becoming a "Christian casualty."
When ever I read about the armor of God, I picture the stength the Lord is blessing us with. How amazing is it to have every part of us protected by the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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