Ephesians 6:14 “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,”
The breastplate covers the heart and other vital organs. Wounds in this region are often mortal. However, this is a spiritual application. Being incapacitated at the heart is imobilizing.
We are to have a thick protection of righteousness. To be righteous is to be made right with God. It’s a relational term. We had wronged God. Jesus paid the price for our sin. We are no longer at odds. The debt was paid. We shook on it. A firm hand shake and a solid warm gaze tells us it’s alright.
What is a wound to the heart? Most of the battle is from words, comments and thoughts. This type of wound doubts our standing with God. We think our actions made God angry with us or even rejects us. This would put us out of the battle. Our focus instantly goes to sadness. Like an athlete that can no longer focus. This one is nearly useless.
The arrows of doubt will come. We will sin. The devil will remind us of past sins. All of this is meant to tell us that we are no longer right with God. Romans 8:33-35 says, “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” The answer is a resounding, no one.
I picture someone starting a rumor attempting to seperate intimate friends. Some drama may be stirred, but once they speak, all is good. We don’t need to get God’s perspective. We already have His Word. Jesus paid the price for past, present and future sins. We are God’s kin. No one can turn Him against us. We will have thoughts and doubts. They will often be connected to painful emotions of doubt and shame. Making them difficult to ignore. We need to have verses to go to. Romans 3: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;”
The longer we walk with God, the thicker the armor. It becomes part of us. Our relationship with The Lord becomes so sweet that doubts blow off like dust.
Lord, thank You for Jesus and the price that was paid. Thank You for being on our side and seeing us as righteous.