“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…” (Ephesians 6:14, ESV)
The next piece of armor we need to put on is the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate was the piece of armor covering the chest to protect it from arrows and close-range blows. The breastplate protects the critical organs and allows the soldier to be protected in the midst of battle. This is a large piece of armor with incredible importance.
Ephesians teaches that righteousness is what we need to not get pierced in the chest. In this case righteousness is referring to moral uprightness. If you think about it, compromised morals do leave us open to attack. It’s the same as have armor with a hole in it. If our breastplate is compromised, our heart and lungs (among other things) are left vulnerable.
Moral conviction is a strong defense. In our digital world, it’s never be easier for any sin you commit to be used against you in a bunch of different ways. A sure-fire way to defend against that is to be morally upstanding. Not only does that provide a good defense, it also provides a good testimony. A man that lives set apart is an opportunity to point people back to God.
Living rightly from moral conviction inspired from God’s instruction is a necessary piece of armor that we can and should put on to both defend us from attack and to help people see a better way to live.
Questions for Reflection:
In what ways have you seen moral failure create vulnerabilities for yourself or others?
How do you think living with moral conviction is a defense for life’s challenges?
What areas of morality need attention in your life right now?
How can you make the most of living rightly in a way that points people to God?