Spiritual Warfare Provisions - Breastplate of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14 - 17 (NKJV) - " 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...."

Yesterday we discussed the Belt of Truth that God provides for us in the Spiritual warfare that surrounds us. Today, Paul calls us to put on another vital piece of defensive equipment - the Breastplate of Righteousness.

The breastplate was a central part of the Roman soldier's armor—it provided protection for the torso, which contains vital organs like the heart, lungs and so on. Without a breastplate, a soldier would be asking for death, as any attack could instantly become fatal. With a sturdy breastplate, the very same attacks become ineffective and useless, as blows glance off the armor.

To be righteous is to do what is right in God's eyes. God's commandments are righteousness. In contrast, lawlessness is sin, and sin is the opposite of righteousness. So to be righteous is to obey God's laws of love. So now we know what the breastplate of righteousness is. Paul gives us the command to "take up the whole armor of God"—the obvious question is, "How?"

An in-depth concordance study of all the scriptures concerning righteousness (there are 301 in the New King James Version!) reveals that servants of God in the Bible who had righteousness all had it because they followed God's way. Though it may seem a sweeping statement, it is through a continuing and dedicated adherence to both the letter and spirit of God's law that we can defend ourselves with His righteousness. Once we have put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must be sure not to remove it. Ezekiel 33:13 shows that wearing righteousness is not a one-time event; rather, it requires a lifetime of action.

Today, let us ponder the  importance of keeping our Breastplate in place. What laws of God do you find yourself most likely to compromise? We can't expect the breastplate to stay securely fastened unless we remain true to His commands. Once you identify your weaker areas, resolve to keep from compromising in them. Pick one area and pay special attention to it. When you do compromise, what prompts this compromise? Is it because of certain conditions, environments, company, etc.? Use this information to decrease your chances of being tempted to compromise, starting today!