Ephesians 6:14 “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,”
In the Middle East most clothing is robelike. When one would do strenuous work, a belt would be used to hem up the length of the robe. One could run or move about without the robe causing hinderance. So girding one’s loin is preparation for work, running or battle.
What is the truth? It’s the Word of God, as it certainly grounds and centers us. As we apply it, we set aside hinderances. Hebrews 12:1 says, “…let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”. The bible informs us what is sin. Being in Christ, we gain the power and will to set it aside.
One commentator mentioned that the spiritual armor described in this chapter is given in the order inwhich a soldier would dress. Once the garment is on, the belt would gird up the length of the robe. We are to be in the bible. It’s the first order of business for a christian. This is how we hear from God. As we immerse ourselves in the word, it’s as if we are spending time with a mentor. We hear them. Our reflexes begin to mirror theirs.
Being rid of sin is a lifelong process. It begins with the big items. However, we always learn of attitudes that are sinful. They can be very small. From the beginning, we ‘add to’ our lives. As the bad is removed, the good is added. Philipians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” We begin to adopt biblical attitudes. Having the bible within us is primary to living the christian life and fighting the battle.
Lord, help us to gird our loins with truth. Let your Word be within us to the degree that we have a distaste for sin and a love for Your ways.