Putting on the Whole Armor of God

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In my personal history,  I have likened myself to Lehi of the Book of Mormon, I am a visionary, I have dreams.  Many times I have dreams that tell of impending events,  or dreams of people from across the veil from my ancestry; some I don't even know, that need help with temple work or are trying to help me in some way.  And then I have dreams of warning, like the one I had this past week.

There was a great storm coming, I could feel it, and though it was sun shinning outside I felt the weight of the great storm that was near and quickly surrounding myself and my family.  I was safe inside a shelter, and I ran outside to find and warn my children (who are inactive members at this time) of the great danger that lay ahead.  They scoffed at me and said that I was just a worrier like always, there was no danger look the sun is out all is well.  I then went to my shelter and looked outside the back window and I could see the tempest rising, the grand tornado that was coming from little clouds that lay in the sun.  Their bottoms started to drop in a funnel formation, and though they were seemingly small there were many and had the potential to quickly become powerful.  I ran back outside and called for my children and said look see over there, the storm comes please follow me I have shelter we can all be safe.  But they didn't listen and turned from me going about their day.  I begged them then to let me have the grand children, let me keep them safe with me, if they wanted to be in the storm it was their choice but please let me have the children to keep them safe.  With their permission I took the children and ran inside the shelter, I was very sad and crying because my children wouldn't believe; then came the storm.  The little clouds that started to drop became enormous tornadoes that were destructive and terrible.  I took the grand children and placed them with myself under the shield I had prepared and we safe and unharmed though we could hear the destruction all round us and I mourned greatly those who would not hearken to the warning and protect themselves.  

The scriptures sometimes refer to temptations as “the fiery darts of the adversary” 
Many of the things Satan can tempt us with are very hard to resist.  They are not always big things, sometimes, they are little things that drive the spirit away, smetimes its complancentcy or sins of omission, or maybe it is something real big, but all are fiery darts that can not only harm but kill us, if we are not prepared.

D&C 3:8  8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

 Ephesians 6:16  16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.


1 Nephi 15:24  24 And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversaryoverpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.

D&C 27:17  17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;

 Not only in times of past but particularly in our day we need to be prepared to for these darts that come our way, we need to shield ourselves from the incoming storm, and prepare ourselves for battle with protection from shots fired in our path; for there are many, some we won't even see or realize;  unless we are prepared and dressed in the whole armor of God.

Putting on the whole armor of God: Our Protection

Who were the leaders of the two forces involved in the War in Heaven, and what were their objectives? 

D&C 76:25–28 
And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son whom the Father loved and who was in the bosom of the Father, was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son, And was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him—he was Lucifer, a son of the morning.  And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen! is fallen, even a son of the morning!  And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us that we should write the vision; for we beheld Satan, that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ 

Moses 4:3  Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;

We often refer to this event as the War in Heaven and during this pre-mortal meeting, Lucifer rebelled against Heavenly Father seeking to invoke his own plan of salvation, rather than that which had been designed by the Father. 

Satan "sought to destroy the agency of man" in order to carry forward his own plan.  But as we know every intelligent being must have the power of choice.
 

"The volition of the creature is free; this is a law of their existence and the Lord cannot violate his own law; were he to do that, he would cease to be God. He has placed life and death before his children, and it is for them to choose. If they choose life, they receive the blessing of life; if they choose death, they must abide the penalty. This is a law which has always existed from all eternity, and will continue to exist throughout all the eternities to come. Every intelligent being must have the power of choice, and God brings forth the results of the acts of his creatures to promote his Kingdom and subserve his purposes in the salvation and exaltation of his children." (Discourses of Brigham Young,, 62.)

In thinking of the war in Heaven, how are we involved in a similar conflict on the earth today?

D&C 76:29   Wherefore, he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about.

Moses 4:4  And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearkenunto my voice.

Though there are those in the world who would say the battle is not real, we know that it is, and it is serious, as well as growing more intense daily.  This is an eternal war and we as mortals upon this earth are fully engaged and on the front lines of  battle.  In startegies of war the victory goes to those who are prepared for war, and have the best defense.  The Lord has not left us unprotected, The Armor of God is our best defense.  

 What is the Lord’s armor?  

Successful armies do all they can to protect themselves from the enemy. They shield themselves with the heaviest armor available.  The Lord’s armor given to us is exactly what we need and its parts include the following: 

D&C 27:15–18  15 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.

• Loins girt about with truth: D&C 27:15–18  16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
•  "We should have our loins girt about with truth. What is truth? Truth, the Lord said, is knowledge of things as they are, things as they were, and things as they are to come. [Sec. 93:24.] What is going to guide us along the path of proper morals or proper choices? It will be the knowledge of truth. There must be a standard by which we measure our conduct, else how shall we know which is right? And how shall we know which is wrong? How do we know it is wrong to steal? How do we know it is wrong to lie? How do we know it is wrong to kill, unless we have a knowledge of the truth, that written by the finger of God on tables of stone were the divine injunctions, thou shalt not. 'Our loins shall be girt about with truth' the prophet said."  (President Harold B Lee)
• Breastplate of righteousness:  "And the heart, what kind of breastplate shall protect our conduct in life? We shall have over our hearts a breastplate of righteousness. Well, having learned truth we have a measure by which we can judge between right and wrong, and so our conduct will always be gauged by that thing which we know to be true. Our breastplate to cover our conduct shall be the breastplate of righteousness."  (President Harold B Lee)
• Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace:  "By what shall we protect our feet, or by what shall we gauge our objectives or our goals in life?. . .'Your feet shall be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.' [Eph. 6:15.] Interesting? What is the gospel of peace? The whole core and center of the gospel of peace was built around the person of him who was cradled in the manger, of whom on that night the angels sang, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men.' Or to put it even more correctly, 'on earth peace to men of good will.' Our feet should he shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace to them of good will. . . .  'Train a child in the way he shall go and when he is old he will not depart from it' [Proverbs 22:6], the old adage said. . . . How fortunate are you if in your childhood in the home of your father and mother you were taught the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ, the Son of the living God, the meaning of baptism and what you gain by the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Fortunate is the child who has been taught to pray and who has been given those steps to take on through life. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace!"
• Shield of faith:  17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
• 'Fiery darts' have reference to the burning arrows used in ancient warfare. Arrows were dipped in pitch and lighted before being shot from the archer's bow. Effective use of one's shield was necessary in order to avoid being struck with such 'fiery darts.' In similar fashion, the hosts of hell send forth their fiery darts of wickedness, which can only be warded off through the effective use of one's shield of faith." (Hoyt W. Brewster Doctrine & Covenants Encyclopedia, p181)
•   "In the war between good and evil, one must be protected with the 'shield of faith' (D&C 27:17). An example of this shield of faith might be illustrated in the following home memories of Elder L. Tom Perry: 'We were dressed in our home each morning, not only with hats and raincoats and boots to protect us from physical storm, but even more carefully our parents dressed us each day in the armor of God. As we would kneel in family prayer and listen to our father, a bearer of the priesthood, pour out his soul to the Lord for the protection of his family against the fiery darts of the wicked, one more layer was added to our shield of faith. While our shield was being made strong, theirs was always available, for they were available and we knew it.' (Conference Report, Apr 1974, pp140-41.)
• "Thus, this spiritual shield is that protective armament that becomes invincible through prayer, righteous obedience to all of God's commandments, searching and pondering the scriptures, and doing all within one's power to strengthen the power of faith.  (Hoyt W. Brewster)
Helmet of salvation:  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.

"A helmet of salvation shall guide our thinking all through our days. Well, as we think that through, let me review them again for just a moment, to get the full significance. Truth to safeguard our virtue; righteousness to keep our conduct right; the preparation of the gospel of peace to guide our course and to set our standards and aims in life; salvation, a return back to the presence of the Lord, shall be the inhibiting promise and a motivating objective to guide us on to the victory of life over death. That is what it means. . . ." (Latter-day Prophets and the Doctrine and Covenants, 1:293) 

•   Sword of God’s Spirit and His word through revelation: "By observance of the laws of the Lord we are led in the straight and narrow way, and the Holy Spirit alone can keep us there. We have power to so live that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell with us. We cannot be Latter-day Saints without the Spirit of the Lord; and should not try to live without it. Do not try to speak without the Spirit of the Lord; do not try to build up the kingdom of God without the direction of his Spirit. If we endeavor to do these things by our own wisdom we will be sure to go astray and make mistakes. It is the office and calling of the Spirit of the Lord to dwell with you always; to be in your homes, with your families; in your neighborhoods, and in your business affairs, on the Sabbath day and throughout the week, and every day in the year, if you do right." (Conference Report, April 1904, p13) 

What can we do to put on the “whole armor” of God?  Have you felt added protection from temptation as you have prayed? studied the scriptures? kept the Sabbath day holy? gone to the temple? honored the priesthood?  These are the things we must do to put on our armor, we must live the gospel, obey the commandments, do the very best we can to stay in tune and in harmony with the Savior.  

What might be the consequences of wearing only part of the Lord’s armor or neglecting to wear it for even a brief time?

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve warned that Satan “seeks to find any chink in the armor of each person. He knows our weaknesses and knows how to exploit them if we allow him to do so. We can defend ourselves against his attacks and deceptions only by understanding the commandments and by fortifying ourselves each day through praying, studying the scriptures, and following the counsel of the Lord’s anointed” (Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 44; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 35)

There are three areas in which Satan is trying to exploit weaknesses in our armor today: chastity, honesty, and language.  

Live the law of chastity

What is the Lord’s law of chastity?  D&C 42:22–24; 59:6; 63:16

The First Presidency stated: “The Lord’s law of moral conduct is abstinence outside of lawful marriage and fidelity within marriage. Sexual relations are proper only between husband and wife appropriately expressed within the bonds of marriage. Any other sexual contact, including fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior, is sinful” (First Presidency letter, 14 Nov. 1991)

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve taught: “Any sexual intimacy outside of the bonds of marriage—I mean any intentional contact with the sacred, private parts of another’s body, with or without clothing—is a sin and is forbidden by God. It is also a transgression to intentionally stimulate these emotions within your own body” (Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 38)

Living the law of chastity is necessary for us to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, receive priesthood ordinances, and to partake of the sacrament worthily, tempting us to violate the law of chastity is one of Satan's strongest weapons.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught: “One of the most pervasive deceptions in recent years is the notion that immorality is normal and acceptable and has no negative consequences. In truth, immorality is the underlying cause of much suffering and many other problems that are prevalent today, including rampant disease, abortion, broken families, families without fathers, and mothers who themselves are children” (Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 100; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 76)

How does Satan tempt people to violate the law of chastity? How do people try to rationalize violating this law?

Dress and appearance:  If modesty reflects the attitude of our hearts, then the way we dress reflects our attitude to others and we will attract those with similar attitudes.

Your body is sacred. Respect it and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ and that you love Him.

Prophets of God have continually counseled His children to dress modestly. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and you can be a good influence on others. Your dress and grooming influence the way you and others act.

Never lower your standards of dress. Do not use a special occasion as an excuse to be immodest. When you dress immodestly, you send a message that is contrary to your identity as a son or daughter of God. You also send the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval

Immodest clothing is any clothing that is tight, sheer, or revealing in any other manner. Young women should avoid short shorts and short skirts, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and clothing that does not cover the shoulders or is low-cut in the front or the back. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. Young men and young women should be neat and clean and avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle, and behavior. They should choose appropriately modest apparel when participating in sports. The fashions of the world will change, but the Lord’s standards will not change.

Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. Young women, if you desire to have your ears pierced, wear only one pair of earrings.

Show respect for the Lord and yourself by dressing appropriately for Church meetings and activities. This is especially important when attending sacrament services. Young men should dress with dignity when officiating in the ordinance of the sacrament.

If you are not sure what is appropriate to wear, study the words of the prophets, pray for guidance, and ask your parents or leaders for help. Your dress and appearance now will help you prepare for the time when you will go to the temple to make sacred covenants with God. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” (For the Strength of Youth Dress and Appearance  Dress and Appearance )

Television, movies and books:  Those that are negative in nature or attempt to make immoral behavior look normal and attractive can also impact our thinking.

President Ezra Taft Benson:  "Thought precedes action. We cannot help being influenced by what we read and what we see. A dirty book, a filthy picture, may be the trigger that sets off a terrible crime." (Conference Report, Oct 1959)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell:  "We are lathered with soap operas in need of nothing so much as soap—for the scrubbing of themselves. Some seriously maintain that media violence and sleaze leave consumers untouched. But revenue is received from commercials precisely because of their influence. Either we deserve reforms, or sponsors deserve refunds!" (Conference Report, Apr 1993)

Elder Maxwell is exactly right. Why are billions spent on advertising if television and other media forms do not affect our thinking? Consider this story from one mother, "I spent hours putting together a family home evening about the plan of salvation, and the same day my children saw cartoons. Later when I asked them what they remembered about the lesson, their faces were blank, but they knew every word from the 30 second advertising spots they had heard." (Meridian Magazine)

You live in a day of marvelous technologies that give you easy access to a wide variety of media, including the Internet, mobile devices, video games, television, movies, music, books, and magazines. The information and entertainment provided through these media can increase your ability to learn, communicate, and become a force for good in the world. However, some information and entertainment can lead you away from righteous living. Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Select only media that uplifts you.

Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit.

Pornography in all forms is especially dangerous and addictive. What may begin as an unexpected exposure or a curious exploration can become a destructive habit. Use of pornography is a serious sin and can lead to other sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs. It is a poison that weakens your self-control, destroys your feelings of self-worth, and changes the way you see others. It causes you to lose the guidance of the Spirit and can damage your ability to have a normal relationship with others, especially your future spouse. It limits your ability to feel true love. If you encounter pornography, turn away from it immediately

Take care that your use of media does not dull your sensitivity to the Spirit or interfere with your personal relationships with others. Spending long periods of time using the Internet or a mobile device, playing video games, or watching television or other media can keep you from valuable interactions with other people. Be careful that your use of social media does not replace spending time with your family and friends.

Guard your safety and the safety of others by taking great care about what personal information and images you share through technology. Do not communicate anything over the Internet or through texting that would be inappropriate to share in person. Obey the laws that govern sharing music, movies, and other copyrighted items.

If you are not sure whether something is appropriate to watch or listen to, talk to your parents and other adult leaders. The Holy Ghost will give you strength to make correct choices.  (For the Strength of Youth Entertainment and Media)

Music and dancing: Music can enrich your life. It can edify and inspire you and help you draw closer to Heavenly Father. Music has a profound effect on your mind, spirit, and behavior.

Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Some music can carry evil and destructive messages. Do not listen to music that encourages immorality or glorifies violence through its lyrics, beat, or intensity. Do not listen to music that uses vulgar or offensive language or promotes evil practices. Such music can dull your spiritual sensitivity.

Learn and sing the hymns. Hymns can lift your spirit, move you to righteous action, and help you withstand the temptations of the adversary.

When listening to music, be courteous to those around you. Keep your music at a reasonable volume, and remove your earphones when others are talking to you or want you to be part of their activities. Remember that the Spirit speaks with a still, small voice. If you listen to music constantly, you may not have the quiet time you need for thinking, feeling, and receiving spiritual guidance.

Dancing can be fun and can provide an opportunity to meet new people. However, it too can be misused. When dancing, avoid full body contact with your partner. Do not use positions or moves that are suggestive of sexual or violent behavior or are otherwise inappropriate.

Attend only those dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, music, and entertainment contribute to a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit may be present.  (For the Strength of Youth Music and Dancing)

The Internet:  If you are reading this lesson, you have learned what a wonderful tool the Internet can be to assist us in our lives. We can read and download Conference talks, do research on gospel topics, find directions, pay bills, and check the weather. On the other hand, this wonderful tool has been captured by Satan. A few years ago, in preparation for making the Internet available at my place of employment, we were required to participate in a course on proper Internet usage. The instructor indicated that 80% of Internet traffic involves pornography and gambling. One doesn't have to be a genius to realize that we have a huge problem if this statistic is close to accurate. (Brother Beardall Lessons)

President Gordon B. Hinckley warned: “You must not fool around with the Internet to find pornographic material. You must not dial a long-distance telephone number to listen to filth. You must not rent videos with pornography of any kind. This salacious stuff simply is not for you. Stay away from pornography as you would avoid a serious disease. It is destructive. It can become habitual, and those who indulge in it get so they cannot leave it alone. It is addictive” (Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 66–67; or Ensign, May 1998, 49)

The law of chastity includes purity of thought as well as action. How are we affected spiritually when our thoughts are unclean? D&C 63:16

And verily I say unto you, as I have said before, he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear.

How can we dismiss unclean thoughts from our minds?  Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve counseled us to evict unworthy thoughts from our minds by putting “something edifying in their place” (Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 90; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, 60)

Be honest

What does it mean to be honest?  President James E. Faust taught: “Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving” (Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 57; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 41)

Be honest with yourself, others, and God at all times. Being honest means choosing not to lie, steal, cheat, or deceive in any way. When you are honest, you build strength of character that will allow you to be of great service to God and others. You will be blessed with peace of mind and self-respect. You will be trusted by the Lord and will be worthy to enter into His holy temples.

Dishonesty harms you and harms others as well. If you lie, steal, shoplift, or cheat, you damage your spirit and your relationships with others. Being honest will enhance your future opportunities and your ability to be guided by the Holy Ghost. Be honest at school; choose not to cheat in any way. Be honest in your job, giving a full amount of work for your pay. Do not rationalize that being dishonest is acceptable, even though others may think it does not matter.

Closely associated with honesty is integrity. Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences. When you have integrity, you are willing to live by your standards and beliefs even when no one is watching. Choose to live so that your thoughts and behavior are always in harmony with the gospel.  (For the Strength of Youth Honesty and Integrity

Why is it important to be honest in all aspects of our lives?  D&C 42:21, 51:9

Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out.  And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you

President Hinckley: "It is not easy to be honest when all about you there are those who are interested only in making 'a fast buck.' It is not always easy to be temperate when all about you there are those who scoff at sobriety. It is not easy to be industrious when all about you there are those who do not believe in the value of work. It is not easy to be a man of integrity when all about you there are those who will forsake principle for expediency.
    "There is loneliness—but a man . . . has to live with his conscience. A man has to live with his principles. A man has to live with his convictions. A man has to live with his testimony. Unless he does so, he is miserable—dreadfully miserable. And while there may be thorns, while there may be disappointment, while there may be trouble and travail, heartache and heartbreak, and desperate loneliness, there will be peace and comfort and strength."

What are some ways we are tempted to be dishonest?  Income taxes - not reporting cash income, not working as hard as we should at work, speeding, "just a little." failing to inform a store clerk that he or she has charged us the wrong price or given us the wrong change when the transaction benefits us...

How can giving in to small temptations to be dishonest make us more vulnerable to other temptations?  As we give into small temptations, we build up a resistance. If we are not careful we can begin to slide on the "slippery slope." Where then do we draw the line if we give in a little here and a little there?

How can we overcome temptations to be dishonest?  if we are striving to do the basics (daily prayer, daily scripture study, serve others, attend our meetings, etc.) the spirit will be with us to remind us that we need to turn away from wrong.

What does it mean to be honest with the Lord?  keeping covenants and other promises we have made to the Lord, fulfilling Church assignments, partaking of the sacrament worthily, and paying tithes and offerings...

What does it mean to be honest with ourselves? We do not rationalize or excuse sin. 

How are we blessed as we are honest?  D&C 97:8

Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.

Use language that reverences God and is edifying

What is the Lord’s commandment concerning how we use His name?  

 D&C 63:60–62  Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.  Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority.

D&C 136:21   Keep yourselves from evil to take the name of the Lord in vain, for I am the Lord your God, even the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.

In addition to taking the Lord’s name in vain, what other kinds of language should we avoid?  Language that is vulgar, obscene, crude, or degrading.

President Hinckley taught: “Don’t swear. Don’t profane. Avoid so-called dirty jokes. Stay away from conversation that is sprinkled with foul and filthy words. You will be happier if you do so, and your example will give strength to others” (Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 59; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 48)

How you communicate should reflect who you are as a son or daughter of God. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Good language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others invites the Spirit to be with you. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith, hope, and charity.

Choose friends who use good language. Help others improve their language by your example. Be willing to politely walk away or change the subject when those around you use inappropriate language.
Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid gossip of any kind, and avoid speaking in anger. When you are tempted to say harsh or hurtful things, leave them unsaid


Always use the names of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect. Misusing the names of Deity is a sin. When you pray, address your Father in Heaven in reverent and respectful language. The Savior used such respectful language in the Lord’s Prayer (see Matthew 6:9–12).
Do not use profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, and do not tell jokes or stories about immoral actions. These are offensive to God and to others.
Remember that these standards for your use of language apply to all forms of communication, including texting on a cell phone or communicating on the Internet.
If you have developed the habit of using language that is not in keeping with these standards—such as swearing, mocking, gossiping, or speaking in anger to others—you can change. Pray for help. Ask your family and friends to support you in your desire to use good language.  (For the Strength of Youth Language)

What are some consequences of using bad language? Offending God, offending others, degrading oneself, and losing the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

“Profanity and vulgarity … are sins that separate us from God and cripple our spiritual defenses by causing the Holy Ghost to withdraw from us” (Dalin H Oaks Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 69; or Ensign, May 1986, 52)

How should we respond when we are around people who use bad language or when bad language is used in movies, television, or books? When possible, we should leave places where bad language is being used. We also can raise objections to such language.


What kind of language would the Lord like us to use?  


D&C 52:16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances


D&C 136:24 Cease drunkenness; and let your words tend to edifying one another. 


Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers


Conclusion
Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to put on His “whole armor” so we will be protected from temptation.  The battle is sore, and the storm great, in order to fight, we must have all our weapons ready, by following these principles, we will have the full armor the Lord has given us and we will be protected even shielded from the flaming darts sent to pierce our souls.  


Resources
Video The Whole Armor of God
 For the Strength of Youth
Conference Report
Ensign
Meridian Magazine
Discourses of Brigham Young
Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia by Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr.
Gospel Standards: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Heber J. Grant, compiled by G. Homer Durham
Latter-day Prophets and the Doctrine and Covenants, Volume 1, compiled by Roy W. Doxey
President Kimball speaks out by Spencer W. Kimball.
Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley.
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball