Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place...
The breastplate was a soldier's protection for his chest and abdominal areas. Crafted of metal bands, the breastplate afforded critical protection from powerful blows. Before battle, a soldier would fasten the breastplate around his chest like a vest to protect his vital organs. If a soldier failed to wear his breastplate, an arrow could easily pierce his heart or lungs.
Every Christian has a vital "spiritual organ" which needs to be guarded above all else. We are to keep our heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life [Proverbs 4:23]. God wants your whole heart and nothing less, for a heart sets the course of a person's life.
Your spiritual heart is so important because "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation". God offers us His righteousness on the basis of faith in His Son. We are justified and made righteous only because of our faith in the Lord Jesus. The breastplate of righteousness, then, is a gift obtained by faith. Today, we can enter into right standing before God, by faith, on the basis of Christ's merits. God protects those who are clothed in His righteousness. He says, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD" [Isaiah 54:17].
Whenever the enemy tries to bring up your past or your mistakes to accuse you, the breastplate of righteousness is your defense. If the Spirit of Christ dwells in you, then your loving Father receives you as His child no matter what the devil says. "For He [God] hath made Him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" [2 Corinthians 5:21]. The righteousness of Christ in you is what matters — not your shortcomings and failures.
Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for I am righteous because of Jesus Christ. I thank You that this righteousness is not by my deeds, by following rules and laws, but a free gift from You. Father, I pray that today and always, I will make a conscious effort to put on my breastplate of righteousness, that my spiritual heart may be guarded against the wiles of the enemy. May I always realize who I am in You because of this gift of righteousness. In Jesus Name, Amen.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 12 2010 - Zechariah 1-3 (OT), 1 John 3-4 (NT).
Joyful 'Toon For Today
God’s Love and Mine…
