Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
(Ephesians chapter 6, verses 14 – 15)
In this latest article we will share and amplify the power of God’s armour, specifically the breastplate of righteousness, as we continue to work from top to bottom in our metaphorical human wearing of the entire armour of God.
Definition
The breastplate of righteousness should be considered in conjunction with the shield of faith. Both are defensive and protective of the bearer. However, the breastplate is clearly the inner piece and therefore a second level of defence to block attacks that get past the shield. The breastplate is specifically designed to protect the heart and lungs and, in that way, protecting righteousness is doubly important because it defends everything physical which ensures your spiritual existence – our soul.
Prayer
Dear God,
Help us to better understand the concept of righteousness as the Bible explains it. Firstly, as we focus on you, help us to clear our minds of all distractions so we can concentrate on Your Holiness and who you are to each of us. You alone are our righteousness and Your very being offers us righteousness as something revealed yet also something to be pursued. Help us to appreciate that Your righteousness, as represented by the breastplate, is something we can both pursue and also possess.
As we choose you, to put you first and to see how you are working in and through our lives, may we bring you with us into all aspects of our lives. Just as Jesus is God’s righteousness revealed to us all, when we are reminded to wear the breastplate of righteousness, we are really wearing and bringing Jesus with us.
In all that we do, in all that we are, direct our thoughts so that we will seek Your Kingdom and Your righteousness first. As we seek Your righteousness, we thank you for providing and blessing us to the point of overflowing in grace, love and mercy.
Help us to take Proverbs chapter 11, verses 4 through 6 to heart: Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. It is also worth considering that Jesus, as the ultimate manifestation of righteousness, conquered death and makes the Proverbs verse prophetic.
As we pursue Your righteousness, help us in that journey of avoiding the pitfalls of sin and temptation. To seek after Your own heart Father God means we need to daily work out our salvation and heart. Just as Jesus challenged the people around him constantly, our actions are a reflection of our thoughts and intentions that outflow from our hearts and minds.
Help us to consider what you, God, ask of each of us. Remind us of your simple truths, such as how you value our obedience as a sign of how we can demonstrate our love back to you. As we develop and strengthen our obedience, we thank you for helping us in this endeavour. Help us to be fully aware of our character weaknesses so that we can humble ourselves before You and the cross.
Lord, sometimes it is not easy trying to remain on the course of righteousness. You have said that the path is narrow and not easy. To persist and remain true to Your calling is to refine our hearts, minds and character. Remind us that to be righteous is not about ourselves, but really about drawing close to you God.
As we pursue a life of righteousness, which is really Your righteousness, may Your Kingdom come, may your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Help us to represent and express Your love to one another, and in this way, demonstrate Your righteousness to one another.
May we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, come together under Your Lordship to not just be individuals each wearing separate breastplates of righteousness, but allow the unity of being in a community of faith reinforce the impact and effect of our collective armours of God at work. Indeed, the power of God is amplified when His followers gather to strengthen and encourage one another.
Finally, just as the breastplate of righteousness acts to physically protect our vital organs, Lord may You always protect our hearts from being hardened so that we can always step into and receive Your grace and forgiveness. Combined with the protective nature of the helmet of salvation protecting our minds, God we entrust these parts of the armour of God to work to safeguard our soul.
We pray these things in the righteous name of Jesus. Amen.
Jesus, God’s righteousness revealed
The Son of Man, the Son of God
His Kingdom comes
(This Kingdom, Hillsong Worship, Geoff Bullock)
Nic works by day as a Business Analyst Consultant whilst, outside of business hours, maintains an IT support & website services business. He volunteers with 89.9 LightFM (Christian Community Radio). Nic has served for over twenty years in his local church, in the areas of worship, technology consulting, life group leading and event management.