Putting on the Full Armor of God –What Does it Actually Mean?

Church goer or not, you might of heard the saying 'Putting on the Armor of God'. This actually comes from a scripture in Ephesians that was written by Paul the Apostle. What does putting on the Armor of God really mean and what does it mean to you?

I grew up in a christian household -- believe it or not -- and my mother is still a big part of the church, going to prayer groups, participating in women's ministries and other various activities. This means that as a child I was always at the church, by my own will or not. When I was little I got an Armor of God suit for a Christmas present. I didn't exactly know what it meant back then.

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The first paragraph really sums this up and says to me that you can't go into a fight with evil blind or with out protection. No matter what demons or trials and tribulations you encounter in life, you have to be prepared. What does this scripture mean to you?