Momentum For Monday, February 5th 2024

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…” (Ephesians 6:14)

It is no surprise that Paul lists the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness here first when drawing this parallel to a soldier of war. The belt and breastplate plate were the first thing a soldier put on in preparation. Both of these pieces of armor fastened together on a soldier.

Many have their ideas of why Paul connected the belt to truth, but I’ll throw out a couple thoughts to consider without going too deep into theology. The belt often had leather garments that hung off of it and gave protection to the lower abdomen. The sheath, which held the sword, was also attached to this belt.

Biblically speaking, truth and righteousness cannot be separated. Some go as far to say that they are one in the same (I'd argue that they are separate ideas but have overlap). Nonetheless, the heart and soul are to be safely guarded with truth of the righteousness given to us through Christ.

What we believe truth to be is what causes our behavior and impacts our soul. Truth is what forms a person in the deepest places, which oddly enough, some believe the soul to be housed in the lower-mid to lower abdomen. But don't forget about the breastplate that protects the heart. Again, these two concepts, truth and righteousness, are what govern one’s overall quality of life. Both are needed to protect and preserve.

If it makes sense for a soldier to place these two items on first, then spiritually speaking, so should we. Let the truth of Christ and all that we inherit because of him, sink down to the deepest parts of you. And since the heart is deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9), may the righteousness we receive also because of Christ, keep it covered and protected as well. Have no question, if you are in Christ, then righteousness is yours. And if you keep yourself immersed with Scripture, then you’re covered with the belt of truth. These two items are mighty in helping to withstand battle.

“He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and He wrapped Himself in zeal as in a cloak.”

(Isaiah 59:17)