I have read many accounts and stories about war. I am sure that we all have. One thing that is universally true in historical accounts and personal recollections is that there is strength in numbers. When you face an enemy by yourself you are much more vulnerable to attack. There are blind spots and areas vulnerable to attack when facing multiple foes. A soldier wears armor to protect himself and a weapon to attack the enemy. when two soldiers stand side by side they know that attacks won't come from the direction of their fellow soldier. With three soldiers this effect is even greater. Think of the ancient phalanx or the roman legion. Their shields would interlock and form a wall of protection. Their spears and swords would coordinate with each other to magnify their fighting power. Knowing that your brothers in arms are there to support you gives an added impetus to perform your duties. It strengthens your resolve because you know that they are depending on you. It gives meaning and purpose to your actions.
Read this with these things in mind:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Ephesians 6:10-18
This is describing what a soldier would do when preparing for a coming battle. This is not what you would wear for every day living. It is designed for battle. As any soldier will tell you, the gear that they wear into battle isn't always comfortable but they know it's necessary. When we make our commitment to follow Christ it is not a casual thing. We are declaring war on Satan and those who follow him. I am not exaggerating. These verses describe what to do to be prepared for the battles we will surely find ourselves in. Make no mistake, we are vastly outnumbered. We will face attacks from all directions and in many unforeseen ways. Where are your Brothers and Sisters in Arms? Who will stand beside you in the battle? Who will guard your flank and watch your back? Who will step in to block an attack that you don't see coming? You see them and talk to them every time you gather together as a church body. When you pray with them you do battle in the spiritual realm. When you confront them about their sin you are watching their back. When you stop someone from spreading gossip you are extinguishing flaming darts from the enemy. When you gather together as one body you become an army instead of a bunch of individuals.Â
This is the real meaning of these verses. Armor and weapons are meant for warriors not weaklings. Battles are for the strong. You can't be as strong by yourself as you can be with an army standing beside you.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:23-25