Put on the breastplate of righteousness. – Ephesians 6:14
It’s not a playground… it’s a battleground! The devil is having a field day in this world today. Fears are rampant from the effects of the pandemic, tensions are high because of rioting, and it is difficult to know where truth is spoken and lies abound. This is not a time for the faint-hearted. It is a time for the stout-hearted and the well-armed, for, in reality, the battle rages against spiritual powers – an enemy much stronger than you… unless you have submitted to the Lordship of Christ.
To the believer, the victory has been won, so the fight is not for victory but from victory. But it is still a battle, one for which you must be ready. Think of a gift unopened. It is useless to the recipient. The same is true of the armor of God. It is of no use if you don’t put it on! But what does that mean?
The Lord’s first item of armor is the belt of truth… truth only discerned by knowing what God says in His Word. The breastplate connected to the belt covers the vital parts of the body and shelters the heart. Knowing Jesus as your Savior gives you a positional righteousness in Christ, but as Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe says, “Without practical righteousness in the daily life, [it] only gives Satan opportunity to attack us.”
Stand your ground as you live a godly life; seek truth in all things. Be mindful of the deception of the devil. Your sword is God’s Word. Know it and use it. Then intercede for those who would lead this country that their hearts would be Christ-driven, seeking His righteousness.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 18:20-21, 27-32, 35-36, 46
The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
27 For you save a humble people,
but the haughty eyes you bring down.
28 For it is you who light my lamp;
the Lord my God lightens my darkness.
29 For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
30 This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?—
32 the God who equipped me with strength
and made my way blameless.
35 You have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your right hand supported me,
and your gentleness made me great.
36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me,
and my feet did not slip.
46 The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be the God of my salvation—
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
