It is of great importance that the Christian put on the full armor of God. The helmet, the breastplate, the belt, the shoes; these are integral to self preservation of the hoplite. The shield is for protection of your fellow soldier. The sword is for your perpetual advance. In the phalanx formation Paul wrote about there is neither need for protecting your back nor thought of retreat. However, if the rank is broken the whole advancing line is jeopardized. To put on the full armor requires that you never distance yourself from other believers. You need their shield and they need yours. This is why we must remain together, for our mutual protection against the fiery darts of our enemy.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the evil one. Our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, powers of darkness; against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. Therefore, put on the full armor of God that you may withstand the evil day, and when all is said and done, stand.
Isa. 58:8
True, God does have our back if the phalanx needs to retreat, but I am particularly concerned at the moment with Christians separating themselves from other Christians. Without the shield of faith from our fellows protecting our whole body, the armor of God is useless if we are to advance. The symbol of this armor is of an advancing army that doesn’t break rank or retreat. We need to love and trust one another to hold our position, and when all is said and done, we will stand.