"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
1 Samuel 14:7

How many friends do you have that would say that to you right now? How many of those people would follow you into a situation likely ending in death? Okay, I guess that question isn't really practical. However, you get the idea. I think that what we should be focusing on here, is whether or not we, ourselves, are bearing the armor of others in our lives.

An armor bearer is someone who can be counted on in times of trouble, strife or danger. They are someone who defends the honor, person, family and property of their friends. Not only that, but they will see it to the end. They are all in...loyal...committed.

Take Jonathan, for example. Jonathan was one of King Saul's sons. He snuck away, without his father's permission and engaged an entire group of enemy soldiers with only the help of his armor bearer. That armor bearer could have refused and told Saul everything. But he didn't. Instead, he supported Jonathan in his God-given destiny. No, I'm not advocating that we help our friends be disobedient and wayward. But I am suggesting that God puts us with our friends for a reason.

Sometimes, our role is to bear armor for that person. Sometimes, we must watch their backs and carry their things while they fulfill a piece of God's plan for their lives. Being an armor bearer is about allowing your friends to be themselves, the way God made them. Being an armor bearer is about always being there for them, even if they do stupid things.

By the way, Jonathan and his armor bearer killed 20 enemy soldiers that day...by themselves. It was a pivotal event that shook their enemy to the core.

It's one thing to be helpful or generous to a friend. That is a good thing...granted. However, it is another thing, altogether, to go to bat for someone; to advocate for them; to vouch for them; to protect them; to see them through tough circumstances and insurmountable odds; to take the extra time to pray for them and be involved in their development...in essence, to risk your own neck for them.

Armor is heavy. Especially if you have to carry it long distances through another person's trial or brokenness. But, during those times, they may need you to help them put their armor on.

That is what being an armor bearer is really all about.