By Ashley Davis
LaVell Edwards, BYU”s former head football coach, told students to prepare for life”s battles by dressing themselves in the armor or God when he spoke during Tuesday”s Devotional in the Marriott Center.
“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, that ye may be able to stand,” Edwards said, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 27:15.
The first article of armor mentioned in the scriptures is the girdle of truth, Edwards said. When dressed in truth, individuals are honest and truthful with themselves, he said.
“Conducting ourselves in this manner allows us to learn who we are and what we are all about. It helps our minds and hearts to be open to further truth and inspiration,” Edwards said.
With the girdle of truth in place, the next piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness, Edwards said.
Individuals who are clad with righteousness live moral, upright, and virtuous lives. They continue in study and pray in order to maintain righteous living, Edwards said.
“With the breastplate of righteousness in place, we become aware of the needs of others and naturally respond to those needs with acts of service,” he said.
When dressed in the armor of God, feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Edwards said.
“Preparation brings peace and allows us to pursue our goals … Even the greatest athletes are those who have the ability to recognize their potential and prepare themselves to meet that potential,” he said.
Next, students need to protect themselves with the shield of faith, Edwards said. Just as the offensive line forms a pocket of protection for a quarterback, faith serves as protection from the weapons of the adversary, he said.
When faced with despair, indecisiveness, procrastination, depression and anger, faith lifts us up and gives us hope,” Edwards said.
Coupled with the shield of faith is the helmet of salvation. Edwards said living life without an understanding of the plan of salvation is like playing football without a helmet.
“Our understanding of this plan gives meaning to our lives, a knowledge of why we are here, and hope for where we can be in the next life,” he said.
The last part of the protective equipment is the sword of the spirit, Edwards said. It is the most powerful weapon given to battle against the adversary, he said.
“The Lord has promised us that we will have his Spirit with us if we are trying to do as he has asked. With the Spirit, we know better how to use the rest of our armor to full advantage,” Edwards said.
The armor of God gives individuals the confidence and freedom needed to play the game of life, Edwards said. Without it, we are left vulnerable to the power and attack of Satan, he said.
