Fortification for the Soul (Part 2: Weapons)



(Continuation of Fortification for the Soul (Part 1: Walls and Towers)

 



(Ephesians 6:11-18)



Once all the fortifications were built and ready, weapons were made to defend the city.  Without weapons the defences are just simple buildings.  We need weapons in life, but I'm not talking about literal weapons that kill.  God has given us special weapons to fight against the adversary.  It is stronger than any weapon formed by man.  We can find those weapons through daily scripture study.  Listening to the prophets, maintaining good moral standards and following God's commandments help us find stronger weapons and keep them sharp.  The scripture point to Christ who is the creator of our weapons (John 5:39).



(1 Nephi 15:24,
Heb. 4:12)



We will also be given "armor" as we apply the principles and commandments we are given and follow them. This is a continual process.  We must always strengthen our defences and never waver from it.  As we do so Satan can no longer triumph over us and will be forced to turn away in defeat.  Our spirits our kept safe and we can return to God knowing we have won the fight against Satan.



(Jeremiah 4:14)

 One other thing that Moroni did that help make sure his defences were strong is found in verses 9, 7, & 11-12.  He gathered his armies and drove out the Lamanites in certain places in the land to avoid having bulges in his lines.  Any bulges in Moroni's lines would have exhausted more resources to defend those cities on the other side.  It was not a matter of conquest.  We can have bulges in our lives, it is by allowing certain vices to remain in our lives while expecting to live God's law (Matt. 6:24).  Look at the image on the right.  As you can see that is a major mess.  Someone should have emptied that trash can out a long time ago.  When we allow any kind of vice to stay with us it's like letting our trash can go over the top.  We need to "empty out the garbage" in our lives.  It may mean tossing out those magazines, changing what we listen too or watch, picking more modest clothing or literally throwing out alcohol and tobacco in order to be in harmony with God.  It may not be easy to clean up the trash, but everything will look so much better.  Believe me, a clean house is better than a dirty one.  And it doesn't invite pests either.

Now that we have our defences made, and our bulges removed we are more than ready to fight Satan.  This is a battle we are sure to win.  Why?  Because you have been fortified and prepared to follow God so that Satan no longer has hold on you.