Putting On the Whole Armour of God

Putting On the Whole Armour of God

 Debra Taylor 2011

One of the most inspiring and moving sights to me is to see our missionaries with their bronzed skin and black eyes in the temple, all dressed in pure white, ready to receive their endowments. They are “beautiful beyond all description”.

            A few of the missionaries, who have already received their endowments having the word “ESCORT” pinned to their chest. What an honor to be the escort of a new missionary receiving their ordinances of salvation and exaltation.

            What do I say to prepare the missionaries to enter the temple for the first time? What do I say concerning their personal endowment and the covenants they will make with the Lord?

            The first thing I say is that I am most honored to be with these missionaries who are worthy to enter the “House of the Lord” and walk where Jesus walks. I share my testimony of the love Heavenly Father has for them and of His desire to bless them with all that He has.

I show the missionaries the “Prayer Roll” where they can write the names of loved ones who need God’s intervention and healing.

I wait for the missionaries as the wonderful temple ordinance workers wash and anoint them before putting on the “whole armour of God”.

I share Ephesians 6: 11- 18:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God:

 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

I invite the missionaries to think of the symbolism and blessings of their washing and anointing, wearing the garment, and being clothed in the Priesthood of God.

There is no place in the entire world where we can be better prepared for the challenges and trials of this life, than in the Temple of the Lord.

Isaiah testifies, “God…hath clothed me with the garment of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).

I weep beholding their beauty  as they express to me, “We are so much grateful! We are so much grateful!  Salam at Po!”  

I echo, “Yes, so much grateful! Salam at Po.”