BATTLE READY: BELT OF TRUTH AND BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
There are times we may forget that every moment of our lives we are fighting an invisible enemy who wants nothing more than to bring defeat into our lives so he can steal from, kill and destroy us. That’s why the apostle Paul encourages us to put on the whole armour of God, so that we can take our stand against the enemy’s schemes.
The first piece of armour we are to put on is the belt of truth. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Ephesians 6:14a) The belt was the most essential piece of the soldier’s defensive equipment. It held everything in place: the sword, the breastplate, the helmet and the shield (when not in use). The belt of truth we wear is what holds all our other supernatural armour in place. Everything in our lives hinges on the truth. No wonder truth needs to be buckled around our waists, guarding us from the lies and deception of the enemy. When Jesus said of Himself, "I am the truth" (John 14:6), He made it very clear that all truth must ultimately be defined in terms of God. Jesus also said the written Word of God is the truth. It does not merely contain some truth; it is all truth. And we are to stand on that truth alone.
The second piece of the armour of God is the breastplate of righteousness. “Stand…with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Ephesians 6:14b). The soldier’s breastplate protected his vital organs like the heart from potentially fatal injury. It is interesting that Paul talks about the breastplate so early on, because it shows us where Satan is prone to attack us. He knows that if he can get to our hearts, he has control over our thoughts, emotions and wills. That’s why Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all, above everything else in life, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”. If he can get to our hearts, Satan gains an entry point into our lives. From there he is determined to undermine our integrity and righteous living and replace it with immorality, greed, envy and hate. He wants us to rationalize sin rather than confess it. He wants us to become so accustomed to sin in us and around us that it no longer disturbs us. Putting on the breastplate of righteousness requires a daily and deliberate decision on our part. It creates a lifestyle of putting into practice what we believe is true. Consequently, as our lives become conformed to the image of Christ, our choices become more righteous/Christ-like, giving us the victory in this spiritual battle.
Love and blessings,
Pastor Sabrina