Put on the breastplate of righteousness. – Ephesians 6:14
You have probably noticed the spiritual battleground that has been increasingly revealed in the physical realm. Tensions have risen since the pandemic, with rioting, violence, and assassination attempts – the most recent one tragically successful. It can sometimes be challenging to discern the truth. This is a time for the stout-hearted and the scripturally well-armed. The spiritual battle truly rages against the powers of 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. However, it is still a battle, one for which you must be ready. Think of an unopened gift. It is useless to the recipient. The same is true of the armor of God. It is of no use if you have not put it on! What does this mean?
The Lord’s first item of armor is the belt of truth: truth is only discerned by knowing what God says in His Word. The breastplate connects to the belt and shelters the vital parts of the body, including 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, seeking truth in all things. Be mindful of the deception of the devil. Your sword is God’s Word. Know it and speak it. Then intercede for those who govern 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.
