When Paul compares the armor of God with military gear, each piece represents a part of God’s strength that He extends to us when we become His children.
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” Ephesians 6:14
Yesterday we saw the first piece of spiritual armor to put on daily – “the belt of truth.” Today, we will be looking at the second piece of armor – “the breastplate of righteousness.”
The breastplate of righteousness refers to the righteousness purchased for us by Jesus at the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The typical breastplate used by the Roman legions fell into three categories. Some were made out of leather and some out of small interwoven brass rings. High ranking officers sometimes had breastplates produced from a single piece of molded bronze.
A typical armed soldier wore a breastplate to cover his vital organs, namely the heart and was fitted with loops or buckles that attached to a thick belt. If the belt was loosened, the breastplate slipped right off.
In close hand-to-hand combat, the breastplate was essential for survival. No trained Roman soldier would venture into battle without it.
If we begin to believe that our own righteousness, effort, or good works can make us worthy of God’s protection, the advantage quickly changes to benefit our enemy, our righteousness is worthless in the battle. We need to get our eyes off of ourselves and back on the provision of the cross and the righteousness that is found in our relationship with Jesus.
There is an ancient proverb that says the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In a similar way, the journey to put on the breastplate of righteousness begins with a single choice. Life involves a series of choices; and we can work at this one day at a time, choosing, with God’s help, to make our next choice a righteous one.
Every action begins with a thought, and our thoughts need to be brought in line with God’s words and commands. Correct (righteous) choices in life flow from a mind dwelling on God’s Word. The time to start this process is now!
