Breastplate of Righteousness
Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
Have you ever watched a baseball game with 90+ mph pitches and seen a catcher or umpire who failed to wear a chest protector? That would be extremely foolish. How about a SWAT team planning a high-risk raid but neglecting to put on a bulletproof vest? Ludicrous. The outcome could be disastrous, right? This protective gear is essential for their safety, shielding them from potential harm in the line of duty. Yet, how often do we step into the spiritual battlefield without our own protection in place?
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in one of my least favorite spots—the dentist's office. Before a half hour of scraping, picking, and poking, the appointment began with me in a chair and a technician draping a heavy lead apron over my torso. That apron isn't just a formality; it’s there to protect my vital organs from the harmful effects of radiation. Without it, my body would be vulnerable to unseen dangers that could cause long-term damage.
In Ephesians 6:14, Paul writes, "Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Just as the lead apron shields your heart from harmful X-rays, the breastplate of righteousness guards your heart in the spiritual realm. The breastplate was a crucial piece of armor for a Roman soldier, covering the vital organs and providing protection in battle. Without it, a soldier would be left vulnerable to fatal wounds.
The "righteousness" Paul speaks of here isn’t our own righteousness—it’s the righteousness of Christ. When we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we are clothed in His purity, His holiness, and His protection. Our hearts, the seat of our emotions and the core of our being, are protected from the assaults of the enemy.
Why is guarding the heart so important? Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Our heart influences our thoughts, decisions, and actions. If it is left unguarded, it can become a target for sin, doubt, and despair.
In our daily lives, we wouldn’t dream of facing physical dangers without proper protection. Yet, in our spiritual walk, how often do we neglect to "put on" this essential piece of armor? The breastplate of righteousness is not just a suggestion—it’s a command. It’s our spiritual defense against the attacks that aim to penetrate our heart and lead us away from God’s truth.
So today, as you step out into the world, remember to wear the breastplate of righteousness. Guard your heart with the righteousness of Christ, and stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. Just as a lead apron protects you from harmful radiation, let His righteousness shield your heart from the dangers that seek to harm your soul.
