There is a final piece of the armor of God that is often forgotten but is essential to victory. In fact, without it, most of the rest of the armor isn't going to do us much good.

Before going into battle, a good soldier prepares his weapons. He has to be sure of them. A blunt sword isn't effective. Spiritual battles are no different. If we are to achieve victory, our weapon must be ready. We can't carry a blunt spiritual sword.

The Word of God is referred to as the Sword of The Spirit in multiple passages. It is the most unique sword in all of creation. There is nothing like it. It's more than just a weapon, much more.

Have you ever wondered why salvation is referred to as a helmet in two separate passages? As part of the Full Armor of God, it is a vital piece. A good soldier never goes into battle without a helmet. If it's that important in a natural world, how much more so in the supernatural?

A shield is much more than just protection. In battle, it's one of the most valuable weapons in a soldier's arsenal. When we understand its uses, we have a greater understanding of how our faith comes into play not only for defense but for attack on the spiritual battlefield.

The Shield of Faith protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. That much we know is true, but what does it really mean? Over the last several years, a lot of teaching about faith has been out there, sometimes contradictory. Starting to sift through it will lead to the truth and how faith protects us and from what.

Truth is under attack, especially spiritual truth. The battleground is set before us and understanding how we are both protected by the Belt of Truth and strengthened by it is essential to being a Good Soldier in the Army of The Lord. We must know truth and how it sets us free.

If we're going to win the real war, we need to learn how to be The Good Soldier in the Army of The Lord. There is no greater calling but it isn't easy. Perhaps it's time for spiritual boot camp.

What does it really benefit the enemy if the church is divided? What makes him tremble? How does the cult of rugged individualism affect our ability to fight effectively as the army of the Lord?

If we're busy fighting each other, we can't fight the right war. There are principles of warfare we must be aware of because they're being used against us. Know them and the real enemy, and we will be victorious.