Take a look at a very well known passage of scripture,
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Ephesians 6:10–17 (ESV)
The walk of a Christ follower here in this passage is compared to a soldier preparing for battle. There are certain defenses (and offenses) one must have in either situation—go into battle without them and you are a sitting duck. Perhaps that is why Paul (the human author of Ephesians) does not go into a lengthy discussion of any single piece of armor or weapon as though it could or ever should stand on its own. He knows what a disaster it would be to go to battle with the evil one with even the slightest exposure. Instead he says this,
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
So don’t go out and face the day unprepared. God has provided everything we need for victory against the evil one!—Use it all.
Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? But here’s what I used to do quite a bit. I would get infatuated with one particular piece of armor and try to make sure I had (for example) the sharpest Sword of the Spirit (Bible knowledge) possible. It was very effective for answering critics and teaching the masses, but alone it offered little defense in certain other areas such as shoes for readiness given by the gospel of peace—the key word there being, ‘peace.’ Do you know what happens when a Christian wields a sword without a heart full of peace?
They can run roughshod over anyone and everyone in their path!
Or what about wielding that same sword without the shield of faith?
Even the wimpiest little doubts Satan sends your way will hit home because you have no faith with which to deflect them!
Again, you’re a sitting duck!
Exposed.
It’s not a pretty sight. One more time, let me use Paul’s second admonition and remind you to,
13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Now go out there not looking for a fight, but knowing you have the means to win if it comes.
And it will surely come.