Written by:
Sister Joann Greene
Paul addressed the Ephesians who were rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ, yet they lived as beggars, and only because they were ignorant of their newly found wealth in the relationship that they had in Jesus. (The epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians (KJV-New Testament).
The purpose of the breastplate of righteousness is to protect yourself against sin and the enemy’s attack. (Ephesians 6:14-20 KJV).
Wearing the breast plate, we have righteousness which is God’s righteousness because our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64: 6). We are in battle with the wiles of the devil. God’s word that is given to us and the Holy Spirit shields us from Satan’s wicked ways and schemes. We must ask Jesus Christ into our heart, accept him as our Lord and Savior, seek Him in our prayers; morning, noon and night and whenever the Holy Spirit prompts us to.
Our breastplate is strengthened by the relationships of other believers and not just by reading God’s Word, but by studying it to find ourselves approved unto God. The acts of service to others exemplify the righteousness of God. This is what our Lord and Savior wants us to remember. His son, Jesus Christ, suffered, bled and died on the cross. He was crucified, died and was buried. On the third day he arose and now sits on the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Jesus bore our sins on the cross. This is the fact that we should always remember– that He sacrificed Himself for us. This act of love and our belief in Him not only justified us before the Father but made us righteous in Him. This is how we put on the breastplate of righteousness as we suit up to fight off the attacks of Satan.
His Word is what keeps us Holy. His Word is what keeps us away from darkness. His Word is what God wants us to read and instill in our heart. He knows when we are absent from His Word. He cares about us because we are his children and He is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
Our righteousness is based on our belief in Jesus Christ. Abraham was counted as righteous because he believed God (Romans 4:3).
We are instructed to know God’s word in order to hide God’s Word in our hearts. The breastplate of righteousness guards and protects the heart. Police and military personnel today wear bulletproof vests for the same reason the Romans soldiers did: to protect their heart. Spiritually, the heart is the seat of emotion and affection. So, I believe the key to walking in the righteousness of our Lord is to fall in love and remain in love with Jesus. Instead of trying to live better, we should love better because the more deeply our heart is following after God, the more righteousness will characterize our conduct and character. God’s righteousness covers all of the weapons that Satan may attack us with, and we will be well protected against the fiery darts of the evil one.
Written by Sister Joann Greene