Christians have pretty unique uniforms. Most soldiers go into battle with guns and ammo. People prepare for conflict with insults and manipulation in their pockets. But when the Bible describes the “armor of God,” here’s the first thing God mentions: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” (Ephesians 6:14). Oooh, the belt of truth! That doesn’t sound too scary, does it? No big weapons. Just truth. Actually, the truth from God is the foundation of a Christian’s faith. Truth doesn’t come from me or my opinions or my preferences. It comes from God. To be ready for any struggle in life, the first thing you and I need is the truth of God’s Word wrapped around us like a belt.
And here’s the greatest truth: “with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14). Righteousness is another word for “perfection.” You and I are the last people who should have a breastplate of perfection to protect us. We’re sinners! Except, here’s the greatest truth from God’s Word: Righteousness is God’s gift to everyone who has faith in Jesus. In God’s eyes, you’re perfect—righteous! No matter what you’ve done. No matter what other people say about you. No matter how you feel about yourself. You have Jesus’ righteousness. That righteousness from Jesus is like a breastplate that protects you. Could there be any better armor? Face your struggles today with the belt of God’s truth buckled around your waist and with the breastplate of Jesus’ righteousness in place.
“Jesus, your blood and righteousness, my beauty are, my glorious dress; Mid flaming worlds, in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head.”
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