- One of the most evocative images in all of LDS scripture is the call to disciples of Christ to "put on the whole armor of God."This call to action is found in the New Testament, the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Not only do the words establish the general theme of fully protecting oneself spiritually but they go into detail on how to secure protection.The New Testament account starts with a stark description of the enemy at hand: "principalities," "powers," "rulers of the darkness of this world," and "spiritual wickedness in high places." These scary images are followed by depictions of the various pieces of "armor" needed to prevail against the enemy.In many ways this allegory accords with the teachings of the great military strategist, Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War. If history holds he wrote in China sometime during the Warring States Period (403-221 BC). His oft-quoted and sage advice, "If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of one hundred battles." Knowing the reality of Satan, of his power, and his intention to make us "miserable like unto himself," is critical.The account continues. What are the various pieces of spiritual armor needed? Paraphrased from an address by Harold B. Lee they are:"loins girt about with truth" — speak the truth, know the truth.
- "breastplate of righteousness" — knowing the truth we can distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error.
- "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" — baptism and membership in the gospel of Jesus Christ allow us to be schooled in gospel precepts and to have the protection of the Holy Ghost.
- "helmet of salvation" — saved is to be saved from death and sin by principles and gospel ordinances
- "shield of faith"/"sword of the Spirit of God" — faith and knowledge of the scriptures are offensive weapons that allow us to go out and combat the enemy.
A precondition to spiritual safety and security in this life, reiterated again and again, is the requirement to put on the full armor of God. Not one piece can be left off.I believe that this allegory is additionally empowered when combined with another. Greek mythology tells the story of Achilles, the mighty warrior in the Trojan War. According to the story, when Achilles was an infant his mother, Thetis, took him and dipped him in the River Styx.Everywhere the water touched him he was impregnable. When she dipped him in the water the only areas uncovered were on his heel where his mother held him by her thumb and forefinger. Such a minute areas of skin left unprotected. During the Trojan War Achilles was hit by a poisoned arrow fired by Paris. It struck him in his heel. The invincible hero died.Prophets and apostles of God recently spoke to the world. If a careful record was kept individual listeners heard the need to fully obey the commandments of God and the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sage and specific advice was espoused as to what listeners need do to avoid spiritual danger in coming months and years.Satan knows our Achilles heel. He will not waste his arrows. He will hurl his arrows and his energies against our weak spots. It is not within our purview to pick and choose which principles of the gospel to obey or ignore if we seek the full protection that is available to us by putting on the "whole armor of God."Sun Tzu cautioned warriors who were determined to survive the great and horrible battles of life to "know the enemy and know yourself."Perhaps our greatest defense would be to identify the counsel recently received from apostles and prophets that offended, or grated, or irritated a bit. Were words spoken that led us to rationalize, "That's nonsense," or "I'm the exception to the rule"?These may be the very areas of weakness where we are most vulnerable: our "Achilles heel." Intently working on those areas of weakness would be of great benefit, but when all is said and done the simple rule still stands, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand."