WCU theme: "Put on the full armor of God"

Each fall, William Carey University chooses a theme to focus students, faculty and staff on a biblical concept. The theme for 2023-24 is “Therefore, put on the full armor of God.”

The phrase is from Ephesians 6:13, which reads, “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground …"

Dr. Brett Golson, WCU vice president of Spiritual Development and Church Relations, reminds us the Apostle Paul told believers to stand like warriors poised for spiritual battle against the evil of this world.

As a prisoner, Paul was surrounded by Roman guards arrayed in military regalia. In Ephesians 6, Paul lists the primary pieces of Roman armor to symbolize how believers are to equip themselves for the spiritual war waged against them.

“A Roman soldier would never leave off even one piece of his armor. His helmet, chest plate, belt, sandals, shield, and sword were all vital to victory over his enemy. Likewise, truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Bible, and alertness in prayer will ensure victory over our enemy,” Golson said.

William Carey University champions excellence in education – but the success of our students cannot be solely measured in terms of enrollment, graduation, and career accomplishments. We must prepare them for a life-long spiritual war. To that purpose, let us admonish our students to put on the full armor of God.