Dressing for Success

There are many pieces of armor spoken of in Ephesians 6. However, for the benefit of this devotional, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the footwear that equips readiness of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith is being addressed.
Thought for the Day: 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. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6: 14-16
How does a Christian prepare for spiritual confrontation? Using the verses from Ephesians 6, lets look at the armor of God which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals (feet) of peace and the shield of faith. Beginning with the belt of truth it appears the word belt has multiple meanings. Three connotations that were applicable to this lesson included; 1) a flexible band worn around the waist that supports clothing; 2) or secures tools; and 3) a tough band beneath the tread of a tire that is used for reinforcement. Three different uses for a belt, but the operative words for a belt of truth are the verbs supports, secures and reinforces Gods Word and His instructions in our lives. In fact, if properly trained we wont be deceived by Satans lies, nor will we be easily drawn into his web of situational truth. We will be able to decipher the truth of scripture and internalize that truth into our daily actions and words. How do we internalize scripture? Embrace and memorize Gods word. Its amazing how many times scripture has been brought to mind by the Holy Spirit in times of need. Give it a try, my friends; scripture will never let you down. The latter part of verse 14 describes the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate of a Roman soldier was displayed over the trunk of his body for protection. It was plated to appear muscled and fierce for facing battle, but there was no security afforded by the breastplate if you turned to run away. Emphasizing the lesson, dont turn your back on the enemy, face the situation head on and trust in the breastplate of Gods armor, His righteousness. Act in accordance with what is just and good and be careful of the information poured into your heart. Remember, out of the heart comes the emotions, thoughts and words of the soul. The breastplate shields and protects this important organ which is the center of ones being, emotions and sensibilities. He put on righteousness

as his breastplate,Isaiah 59:17a Fill your heart and soul with nourishment that
comes from sitting at the foot of the throne. Take up your breastplate of righteousness daily. Verse 15 begins with and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from

the gospel of peace. Isnt it amazing that Roman soldiers fought in a pair of sandals?
One description more accurately portrays the footwear as being half sandal, half boot with thick leather sole. It was strapped on their feet for protection from rugged terrain or possibly splinters. The purpose of the footwear was to aid with comfort enabling the soldier to be ready in a moments notice for duty. Isaiah 52:7 reads, How beautiful on

the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns! Each
morning strap on those sandals of peace, the footwear that will protect you from the splinters of life that would rob your joy, but also enable you at a moments notice to proclaim peace and salvation to a hungry audience.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. A shield is used for defense. A Roman soldiers
shield was rectangular and resembled a half cylinder. Being curved allowed the arrows and spears to hit a less severe blow. The size was approximately four feet in height. If the soldiers would place all their shields together and advance as a fortified troop, they would be shielded from the enemy. This tact was called the tortoise! We are always stronger with the aid of other like-minded Christians. In the words of God to Abram, Genesis

15:1, Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. In Psalm 28:7, The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Again in Psalm 30:5, Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. I dont know about you, but this is a shield I want to take
up every day before going out into the world whether it is the workplace or the grocery store!

Lord, there is so much to learn about the armor provided for our daily use as warriors in a carnal world. Aid our time in the scripture that we will become astute to the importance of dressing as fully equipped children of God. In Your name we pray, Amen.