The Bishop was excommunicated.

When he was first put in as the Bishop he was overwhelmed and humbled by the calling. The first year or two he prayed intensely several times a day; routinely searched the scriptures for answers; regularly went to the temple; etc etc

After a few years, he began to suffer from “Spiritual Anorexia” -consuming a “Mormon Lite” diet. (See: Spiritual Anorexia). He failed to continually put on his Armor. He thought somehow he was immuned from Satan’s influence because after all “He was the Bishop.” His casual approach to spirituality eventually led to an inappropriate sexual relationship with the Ward Relief Society President.

The Bishop was excommunicated.

An example of a prophet
David, clothed with the armor of God, took a stone from his bag and, with his sling, 
shot it into the forehead of Goliath, … David after he became king because he did not 
continue to have the whole armor of God. We must put on the whole armor of God, 
or we will be vulnerable to temptation in those areas where we have weaknesses ....
(Put on the Whole Armor of God, N. Eldon Tanner. Conference April 1979)

 

It’s a Promise.
Why do we need to put on armor? See: Your Personal Devil.

PUTTING ON ARMOR
Prophets speak with great plainness of speech” Enos 1:23 about putting on armor. Armor is our protection from Satan and his special forces.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

Or how about this statement:

Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, …. (D & C 27:15)

WHAT IS THE ARMOR?
Definitions for what is the “armor” varies.

When most Americans think of armor, the image that usually comes to mind is the late medieval Western European “knight in shining armor.” The historical reality is, of course, much more complex. There have been thousands of different types of armor used throughout history, with the Western-European style of heavy plate armor a rare, if not unique, phenomenon. …. There are eight distinct terms for armor mentioned in the Book of Mormon: breastplate (11 times), shields (10 times), armor (9 times), 8 head-plates (7 times), arm-shields (2 times), animal skins (2 times), thick clothing (2 times), and bucklers (1 time). …. (Warfare in the Book of Mormon by Stephen D. Ricks, William J. Hamblin, Chapter 19, 1990)

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ARMOR
One of the most common definitions for “God’s Armor” is provided by Harold B. Lee. He explains Ephesians 6:11 as follows:

... 1. A girdle about your loins – Truth is to be the substance of which the girdle about your loins is to be formed… 2. A breastplate over your heart – The breastplate shall be made of a stuff called righteousness…. 3. Your feet shod – Represent your goals or objectives in life, are to be shod. Shod with what? “With the preparation of the gospel of peace.” … 4. A helmet on your head – the “helmet of salvation” means the attainment of the eternal right to live in the presence of God the Father and the Son…. (Put on the Whole Armor of God; Stand Ye in Holy Places: Selected Sermons and Writings of President Harold B. Lee, 330–39)

Interesting enough there are numerous other explanations for the “Armor” including:

Keeping All the Commandments
N. Eldon Tanner, observed that

those who are clothed in such armor, which means keeping all the commandments of God, are able to withstand the adversary.”  (“‘Put on the Whole Armor of God,’” Ensign, May 1979, 44, 46).

Understanding the Commandments and Fortifying Yourselves
Here is another example Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve warned that Satan

 “seeks to find any chink in the armor of each person. … We can defend ourselves against his attacks and deceptions only by understanding the commandments and by fortifying ourselves each day through praying, studying the scriptures, and following the counsel of the Lord’s anointed” (The Priesthood of God, in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 44; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 35).

The Strength of Youth Pamphlet
In Lesson 43 “Take Upon You My Whole Armor” (Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 1999, 249–54) it suggests putting on the armor could be accomplished by striving for elements in the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet – namely Live the Law of Chastity; Be honest; and Use Language that Reverences God and is Edifying. 

Be Faithful in the Priesthood
How about this quote from Robert D. Hales:

if we are faithful in the priesthood, this armor will be given to us as a gift from God. We need this armor! (Stand Strong in Holy Places, in Conference April 2013)

Numerous Acts
Here is one more explanation of armor by M. Russell Ballard

… True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil… Add to Your Armor Each Day -The Lord has given us specific doctrines and principles that show us how to clothe ourselves in the armor of God so that we can stand against the powers of evil. I have suggested a few ways to incorporate gospel principles into your lives. In most cases, we are not talking about massive changes of behavior. As with chain mail, you need simply to add small, individual pieces of armor each day through prayer, scripture study, focusing on things that matter, and acting in a reverent manner. . (Be Strong in the Lord, July 2004)

dr rick’s definition of armor
I recommend two types of armor: Under Armor and As Needed Armor. 

EVERY DAY UNDER ARMOR

First we must put on our “Under” armor of the Temple Garments.

We are at war! Our enemy is not an invading army from a bordering nation or a navy of some overseas power. Bullets are not whizzing above our heads, nor are bombs exploding in and around our homes. Nevertheless, we are engaged in a life-and-death struggle with forces capable of thrashing us inside out and sending us down into the depths of spiritual defeat if we are not vigilant...The piece of armor called the temple garment not only provides the comfort and warmth of a cloth covering, it also strengthens the wearer to resist temptation, fend off evil influences, and stand firmly for the right. (The Temple Garment: “An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment” By Carlos E. Asay, Ensign, Aug 1997)

Under Armor requires regular -daily or weekly- attention.  In addition, to wearing the temple garment examples of Under Armor include: study the scriptures, saying prayers, taking the sacrament, and attending Church meetings. The need for these specific pieces of armor never change.

AS NEEDED ARMOR

Some armor depends on the enemy you have to confront that day. For example, just like we’d evaluate the weather for the day and dress accordingly- we should evaluate our spiritual demands for that day and dress accordingly.

Think about it.

  • I’m going to a work party. I know I’m going to encounter young ladies partially clothed in very tight clothes. I need to protect my eyes. What armor do I need? – A helmet with blinders!  
  • I’m going on splits with the missionaries tonight. I’ll be teaching a discussion to a non-member family. I need to be particularly inspired and knowledgeable on the gospel. What armor do I need? – A sharp “word of God” sword!  
  • I’m going to have an especially stressful week. I’ll be extra busy with work, church and family. I’ve got to go Gold’s Gym every morning.  I need to exercise. What armor do I need? –Shod with running shoes! 
  • I’m a recovering addict. I’ve been depressed. I just can’t live like this anymore. I need to get to my 12 step-meeting. I need to pray like I’ve never prayed before. What armor do I need?  – Extra strength Poleyns!

etc etc

I want to wear the “As Needed Armor” that best protects me 
from that day’s activity.

CHALLENGE
Watch this video The Whole Armor of God

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