“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-” Ephesians 6:14-18
Paul tells us that in order for us to be protected from the attacks of the enemy we need to first gird ourselves with truth. The definition of truth in this case has to do with both the moral truth that God has given us in His word as well as the truth in regards to any matter in life. Both of those points are important for our maturity and protection.
“And you shall know thetruth, andthe truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
The scripture tells us that truth sets us free. Truth keeps us in the right relationship with the Lord, with others, and with ourselves. Jesus is the truth! Truth allows us to have a sound mind and avoid confusion. When we live in truth, we allow the word of God to become a mirror to us, so we can see ourselves clearly and to ensure that we have not been derailed from God’s heart and His ways!
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
When we gird ourselves with truth, we discern and reject the lies of the enemy. In addition, we continue to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. In times of pressure, we have to tighten the belt even more and hold on to the truth as our spiritual lives are dependent on it.
Furthermore, we are called to be in truth in regards to any subject matter. That means that we are truthful in all situations. We don’t exaggerate, minimize, deceive, or share half-truths. We also don’t come into agreement with those who live deceitfully and expect us to stand by them. When we hold on to truth, it guards us from shame, guilt, or harm, and we remain under the Lord’s protection.
Paul then tells us to put on the breastplate of righteousness. The Lord has given us Christ’s righteousness through the work He did on the cross. We also remain in the right relationship with the Lord by confessing any sin that we have committed. The scripture tells us:
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:14
By putting on the breastplate of righteousness, we are putting on Christ. We have chosen to show up as Jesus showed up. Jesus always came on the scene in fullness of truth and grace. He came with a pure heart and obedient to the will of the Father. Our breastplate remains secure not because we are perfect but because we rely on the perfect one!
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
