Today the need of adequate armament, in an ever-increasing capacity and better quality, is being stressed. In the present world conditions such armament is a legitimate necessity. But among those whose work it is to carry out and further material means and modes for protection and wise direction regarding the welfare of people on land and sea, are some sincerely reaching out for more understanding of our spiritual armament. There is a growing realization that Christianity is indeed essential to human protection and progress. This awakened attitude among men is most heartening.
More and more we are finding that we need God. We need Him not only in time of war, but in time of peace. We need His direction in the minutiae of our human steps each day. We have often heard the expression, "We have to take the human footsteps." But while we take these human footsteps, we need to listen for the voice of Truth, saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." And if we obey the spiritual leading, we find our way brightening, while Truth leads us on rejoicing. How beautifully is this depicted by our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in her poem, "Christ and Christmas," in the illustration called "The Way"! Here the cross in the foreground looms dark and heavy, but farther on, a cross appears on the ascending path bedecked with blossoms; birds are perched on it and flitting over it. Then beyond again the cross has disappeared completely, and the crown is clear in the line of light. So do we find the cross lightened in the sweetness of our walk with God.
The question is. How shall we learn better to walk and talk with Him? How shall we attain a more satisfying and enduring armament, that we ourselves can be assured of lasting peace and protection? Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians has well outlined for us this spiritual armor, with which we can resist "the wiles of the devil." He has clearly shown the nature of evil, and of the spiritually mental armor. He has assured us that "girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;... shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;... taking the shield of faith,... the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," we are safe.
