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Armor of God: The Almost Forgotten Weapon

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It is easy to assume that Paul ended the list of God’s armor with the sword of the Spirit. But if we stop there, we will overlook the most powerful weapon available to us. It is God’s almost forgotten weapon. What is it? Prayer (see Ephesians 6:18).

Most Christians wouldn’t suggest that prayer is unimportant. Yet it’s often overlooked as part of the armor of God; it’s frequently neglected as a weapon. It may be forgotten because we wonder how it fits in with armor. The Roman soldiers didn’t pray, right? True, but the Christian doesn’t use literal swords, breastplates and girdles. Paul is referring to something that no successful army is without. It is not always seen as a weapon, but battles are won or lost depending on how, or if, it is used: It is communication.

While good communication doesn’t mean you’ll win every battle, bad communications typically spells defeat. Many spiritual battles are also lost because of poor communication. To ensure spiritual victories in our lives, we need to understand this weapon of communication, and how it is used properly.

First, Paul advises, “And pray in the Spirit.” The word “and” shows us that Paul wasn’t finished with the sword. In addition to the other pieces of armor, we must also pray. Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Just like when studying God’s word, we rely on the Holy Spirit when we pray. The most wonderful thing is that the Holy Spirit reads our hearts. So even when we don’t know exactly what to say or how to say it he knows what we mean—we just need to pray. The Spirit takes our hearts’ desires and presents them before the Throne of God. He is our connection to the Commander-in-Chief.

Furthermore, Paul says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” This isn’t saying that we need to be on our knees all day long as if we have nothing better to do—we do have a battle going on! However, we are instructed, as Paul puts it in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to “pray without ceasing.” This means leaving the walkie-talkie on—keeping an open line of communication on between us and Heaven—always ready to send and ready to receive.

This allows us to be able to follow the next instruction: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” There are different kinds of prayers: public and private, planned and sudden, solemn and joyful. There are different types of requests as well. But before you start pulling out a wish list for God to fulfill, understand what Paul is saying: this is not meant for us to treat God like Santa Claus, it is us realizing who our enemy is, what we lack, and that God is our only source for victories.

Prayer is our way of calling for reinforcements. Did you know that all of Heaven’s resources are waiting to be delivered so that God’s glory can be revealed in our lives? Sadly though, sometimes legions of angels are waiting to be deployed but aren’t; sometimes showers of blessings are ready to fall but are are never felt; sometimes we could have victory but instead see defeat. Why? Because we do not ask (faulty communication). It is vital that we keep an open connection with God. It is then that we are able to pray in all occasions, all kinds of prayers and requests.

Of course, we are pretty good at the sending part of communication but what about the receiving part? Have you ever noticed: when soldiers are gathered around a commanding officer, who does the most talking? Definitely not the soldier! As a matter of fact, when they are receiving instructions during a battle, they are silent. Why is it, then, that we think we are to do all the talking during prayer? In battle, the most valuable part of communication is listening. In fact, if you haven’t listened, you haven’t communicated.

Unfortunately, I don’t think we allow ourselves much opportunity to listen. Our days are filled with so much work, so much activity, and so much “noise.” We wonder why we’re not able to hear God speaking to us, yet we never really give Him our attention. If everything around you is LOUD, how can you hear God’s still, small voice? If you can’t hear His voice, how can He communicate? He can speak through His Word, through another person, through nature, and He may speak directly—but you still have to be listening.

Then, once you hear God, what will you do with what you hear? How much more power could Christ have in our cities, in our churches, in our lives, if we not only called on Him, but listened to, and obeyed, His instructions for us? Our enemy would have no chance!

Friends, prayer is a powerful weapon. There are no alternatives. Man may encourage you to trivialize it. Satan will try to get you to forget about it. Why? Because he has no defenses against the prayers of God’s people. Because, when you pray, the Creator draws near to you. Because, when you pray, thousands of angel-reinforcements fly to your aid. Because, when you pray, heaven’s floodgates are opened. Because, when you pray, God reveals His plan for victory. And when you listen and obey, nothing can keep you from victory!

Armor of God: The Sword of the Spirit

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We have learned, up to now, that Truth, Righteousness, Readiness that come from the Gospel of Peace, Faith, and Salvation will all, if used, bring us a more victorious life. Is there anything else we might need?

Again we look to Paul’s list of God’s Armor in Ephesians 6. Paul reminds us to take our swords along with us—the Sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

You might have noticed that, up to this point, all of our armor has been defensive armor. We have been instructed to wear each piece for our protection. Now we are introduced to a piece that is not only defensive but can also be offensive. Not only will we stand our ground, but, with the Sword, we will have the ability to gain ground! We will push back and even defeat our Adversary while advancing the front line.

It is for this reason we must remember to carry the sword with us and not an alternative instead. Satan has long substituted the sword with the White Flag of Fables. He suggests that it is great for defense. He encourages us to give up on knowing truth; quit caring what God really says; believe what you want to believe. This is most useful when the enemy is closing in: if waved high in the air, they stop attacking. Of course, we all should know that forfeiting is automatic loss. The alternate offered by man is almost entirely for offense. It is the Brass Knuckles of Doctrine. Man suggests that most will not readily accept your “truth,” so you might need a little more “muscle” to convince. In other words, if others are hesitant to accept your beliefs, beat it into them. This is extremely effective against other soldiers who have no armor but, unfortunately, has no effect on our enemy. Thus, once again, man’s substitution also falls short.

None of these will do. Paul says we need the Sword of the Spirit—God’s Word. And not just select portions of it. Every verse is power-filled. Every Book is dangerous to our Adversary—in both the New and the Old Testaments. All of it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Hebrews 4:12, says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Nothing can match it. Nothing can stand against it.

God’s Word is powerful! It renews lives (1 Peter 1:22), it heals pain (Ps. 107:20), it frees captives (John 8:32), it brings light (Ps. 119:130), it produces faith (Rom. 10:17), and it makes us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). It is also profitable “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). In addition, in verse 17, we are told that it will also make us complete, or perfect, “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God’s Word is alive and powerful, correcting and instructing, and it can keep us completely equipped for everything in our path!

This is also why we are counseled in 2 Timothy 2:15 to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God.” We need to be able to correctly handle such a sharp and potentially dangerous item. This means we actually have to read it. This also means that no one can study for you. You shouldn’t simply accept what pastors say, just because they say it—every pastor, including me. You should only accept a teaching after you have studied it in the Bible yourself and made sure the teaching is sound. Study to show yourself approved. Nobody can practice the sword for you. If you want to properly use the Word, you have to study it. And the more you study, the more you will become proficient.

Unfortunately, many will not study, or choose to misuse God’s word to suit their desires. This is why it can be so dangerous. Even though God’s Word is devastating for Satanic forces, it is too often used on each other (see Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 2:23, 24). Discussing Bible truths together in order to learn is one thing, but we have a tendency to argue with others about what we think God really meant, and only end up injuring each other. Some may call it sparring, but it is too often destructive. We have made it an art to take the God-ordained offensive weapon meant for our Adversary, and use it against a fellow disciple, or worse, on someone searching for God! We should be ashamed! “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Friends, we might not be experiencing victory with God’s word because we are using it against the wrong group. We may actually be giving Satan the victory. The Bible should never be used against another child of God. It is only properly used and successful when used against the dark powers of Satan’s forces. Only then, can we too experience victory through its awesome power.

God’s word is powerful, sharper than any two edged sword. It is meant to fight sin and the powers of darkness. With it we can conquer new territory for Christ. We can force the enemy to retreat—healing and freeing more souls for Heaven. So, we must study the scriptures and become approved by God as triumphant users of His Word, having many victories for His name. Let us not quarrel amongst ourselves using the Bible to beat each other up. But let us hold up our swords and attack Satan’s strongholds. This Word will complete us as a soldier. With it we will become thoroughly equipped for battle.

We are able to stand our ground with our armor; now, let us start gaining ground with the Sword of God’s Word!

Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation

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I don’t know about you, but I despise mind games. I don’t like to be lied to, manipulated, or coerced (especially by people claiming to be friends). Unfortunately, it seems almost impossible to completely avoid being a victim of them. In every area of life such mind games await—even in our spiritual life.

Maybe our adversary has hit you with his questions before: “If you are God’s child, why do you struggle just to make it through the day? God said He’d take care of his children, but where is He at this crisis in your life? How come His promises don’t come true in your life? Are you sure God’s Word is true? And what’s with all this confessing sins, life changes and obedience, isn’t there a better way? Are you sure His plan is best?” Satan loves playing these games, causing doubts, fears, and confusion.

You see, every great general knows that if you can conquer the enemy’s mind, you’ve won the battle. Many battles are won before they even start, because fears and doubts invade the soldier’s mind. Satan knows this, and since he couldn’t conquer our Commander, he turns his assaults on us. As long as we remain unprotected from these mind games, we will suffer defeat and fall. Sadly, we too are often defeated before we even face the battle.

It is no surprise then, that Paul’s next recommendation for our armor is a helmet or, more specifically, the Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17). Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, that we are to put on “the hope of salvation as a helmet.” It is this hope, or assurance, in the power of salvation that will protect our minds from being defiled with fears and doubts from Satan.

The sad thing is that many go into battle without it or, possibly worse, with a counterfeit. Satan has convinced many that Salvation is not necessary and presents his Headband of Security as a better alternative. Security makes us comfortable—which is what Satan wants us to be. Of course, it will not stand up to the trials of battle and will fail to protect. Man, once again, takes a completely different approach with their Hairspray of Holiness. This holiness, something we all know we need, is artificially made of course. Its ultra-strong hold makes your hair hard as a rock—almost like a helmet! It also creates a nice halo effect when you spray it on. Yet, this false sense of holiness creates a major vulnerability that makes failure definite.

Paul is clear, though: God’s armor contains the Helmet of Salvation and we are to “take” it. Like the shield of faith, the hope of salvation is something that we need to carry with us also. So, what is it about Salvation that can protect our minds?

First, we must understand the games that our enemy plays with our minds. The Bible is clear on our initial status: we are sinners (Rom. 3:23, 6:23) which results in death—an eternal death. And anything we do to save ourselves just puts us deeper in debt. That’s what Satan likes to throw at us: we’re hopeless sinners with unbelievably bad debt.

But there’s good news: God has a Plan to save us from this debt! “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord” (Psalm 37:39). In 1 John 5:11 we’re told that the eternal life God offers us is “in His Son.” And Joseph and Mary were told by an angel to call their son Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). “Jesus” literally means “the Lord saves.” This is why the Bible says, “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus is our salvation—He paid our debt. Salvation wasn’t meant to come from us; it comes from the One for Whom nothing is impossible! It was never about our works, but about His sacrifice.

But why would God bother to save us? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that who ever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” It is because of the love He already has for us that He offers salvation. He loved us first. Our response is to believe in Jesus.

So, I believe that Jesus died, is that enough? No. You have to believe that He can and will save you. Believe that He has paid your debt. You must believe that the gift offered is yours to keep. This is how it would look: if you believe that Jesus can save you, then you’ll stop trying to save yourself. It will cause you to Repent (Acts 3:19), which means that you will turn back—you’ll turn/ return to God’s plan. When you turn back you will begin to hate sin because of the fullness of God’s love you have felt through Christ. As this dislike of sin grows, you’ll recognize and own up to (admit) the sin in your own heart (this is what we do when we confess). The result of confessing our sins is full forgiveness from God (1 John 1:9)! And it is when we have accepted this forgiveness that we have fully accepted the gift of salvation.

If we accept God’s plan of Salvation we accept Christ. 1 John 5:12 reveals the simplicity of this Gospel: “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Then, in verse 13, John says he writes that so we can know we have eternal life. We can be confident of our salvation. Yes, you and I can know today that we are saved.

Hebrews 2:3, asks, “How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?” You have been bought by the blood of Christ—you are a child of God. When satan attacks you with fear and doubt, let the hope of your salvation in Christ guard your thoughts. It really is that simple: whoever has the Son, has life. Don’t let satan play mind games with you any longer. Live in confidence. With Jesus, your salvation is sure. With Jesus, your victory is sure. When satan attacks with his mind games, may we be able to say: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Armor of God: The Shield of Faith

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Jesus asks a very sobering question in Luke 18:8, “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Faith. It is a very complex concept. It is something Christians know they need, yet often find it difficult to lean on. It is something vital for spiritual life, yet is regularly defined in ways that greatly reduce its significance. Paul knew its importance though; it is included in the list of God’s Armor. Next on the list is the Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16). Since it does not strap on, it is part of the armor that could be forgotten. That’s why Paul reminds us, “In addition.” You are wearing the other pieces of armor, but don’t forget your shield.

The shield is very important. A soldier can move the shield in any direction to protect any area not already covered. This is also why we must make sure we do not pick up a counterfeit. Satan would like you to grab his Sunglasses of Blind Faith and run into battle. Follow every whim and idea blindly. With little effort, you will stumble right into one of his carefully placed snares. Man tries to offer something of more substance: the Button of Belief. Shaped like a shield, but not near as heavy, it is very fashionable—imagine what people will think of you when they can readily see what you believe. Of course, once you have chosen a good set of beliefs, you should stick with those beliefs—beliefs aren’t supposed to change. If they did change, how could we ever establish exclusive clubs among those having similar buttons? Be aware, though, since not much is required of belief, it won’t provide any protection.

Paul tells us that faith must be our shield. Only faith can protect us from, as Paul says, the flaming arrows (fiery darts) of Satan. However, there is a greater importance in having faith than just defending darts. In Hebrews 11:6, Paul says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Impossible. We simply cannot please God without faith. We may try to please Him with worship, tithe, attendance, even witnessing, but without faith it can’t be done. Notice though, the text does not say “without great faith it is impossible,” it just says without faith.

You see, there are different sizes of shields—because there are different sizes of soldiers. A soldier is only given a shield he/she can handle, but every soldier is given a shield. In the same way, each soldier in God’s Army is given faith. How much? Romans 12:3 says that God gives us each a measure. This is a vague term, isn’t it? How much is a measure? Just enough. That’s how much faith God gives: just enough. Always the right amount for victory.

We aren’t all given the same amount of faith, but we are all given enough faith. You may start out with a smaller amount than your fellow soldier sitting beside you at church, but that doesn’t make you less of a Christian. It’s not about the size of your faith, but the size of your God. Jesus said that if we had faith the size of a mustard seed we could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Nothing is impossible, even with the tiniest amount of faith. Faith compared with a mustard seed isn’t simply small, though, but also like a seed it will grow (see Matthew 13:31, 32). It may begin as the smallest seed, but turns out to be the largest plant in the garden. Likewise, as we cultivate our faith it will grow. One way our faith is cultivated is through reading God’s word (Romans 10:17).

Then, it has to be used. As Paul said in Ephesians 6:16, the shield has to be taken. A shield cannot protect unless we pick it up and use it. James 2:17 says that “faith without works is dead.” It doesn’t matter if we think we have little faith, big faith, weak faith, or strong faith, we have to use the faith we are given or it will do us no good. If we have faith that Jesus will forgive our sins, then we will confess our sins. If we have faith that He is coming again, then we will live like He is coming.

This is the exciting part: as we use the faith God has given us it will grow, larger and larger, protecting more and more. Until we graduate into heavy infantry: Jesus said, “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). We will not only be able to do things He did, but greater things. Our faith in Christ can grow so large that the impossible will become reality. No wonder the Bible says we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!

Limitations are only set when we don’t use our faith. It says in Matthew 13:58, that Jesus couldn’t do mighty things for the people of Nazareth because of their lack of faith. How many times have we missed out on Jesus’ mighty works because we were afraid to use our faith? We don’t fail because we don’t have faith, but because we won’t use it.

There’s only one cause for for unused faith: taking our eyes off Jesus (consider Peter walking on the water). No longer focusing on Him results in no longer trusting in Him, depending on Him, or surrendering to Him. If we want to stand firm in our faith, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Paul says it best, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith … Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:2, 3). This is the solution to any faith issue: fix your eyes on Jesus!

Do you find it difficult to act in faith? Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Do you want to increase your faith? Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Whether you have little faith or great faith, fix your eyes on Jesus! Great and mighty things will happen with your eyes fixed on Jesus—He makes our faith complete. The battle will rage on, the winds will blow, the waves will crash around you, and the darts will continue to attack. When they do, keep your eyes on Jesus and you will have victory!

Armor of God: Gospel Shoes

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I was taught as a child the importance of wearing shoes. Occasionally, I was allowed to run around barefoot, but not as often as some of my friends or cousins. I remember one summer, while visiting my cousins, that they made fun of me because I wasn’t able to walk barefoot on the gravel driveway like they could. They said I had pretty feet (not something I liked to hear). I felt embarrassed having to go back to get my shoes, but I had no choice. My feet were just too sensitive.

Paul also talked about the importance of shoes. This is, in fact, the next part of the armor we must put on: first the belt, then the breastplate, and now shoes (specifically, “as shoes for your feet, put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” – Ephesians 6:15)

Shoes shouldn’t need much explanation. They protect our feet from rocks, thorns, twigs, or any other sharp object on our path. To a soldier, good shoes are vital. Remember, our goal is to be still standing at the end, and protected feet are good at standing. It reminds me of something my grandpa said once about one of my cousins who had a large shoe size: he had “a good foundation.” Good shoes are about securing our foundation; the better the shoe, the better the foundation.

Even in spiritual combat, soldiers must make sure their feet are well anchored, because you never know what you will find laying on the battlefield. There will be things that cut you, trip you, or make you very miserable. I’m sure you’ve experienced some of these stones. You will be faced with a cold, hard truth: “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Ouch! We wince, lift our foot, only to step down on another sharp truth: “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Oh! This stuff can hurt! One step, “you’re nothing but a filthy sinner”—another step, “even your good works are worthless”—sends pain throughout our soul. This is why Paul advises, “…as shoes for your feet…”, or “…Having shod your feet…”, basically protect your feet.

Since our feet are so vulnerable, we need to make sure we do not buy into the alternatives. Satan will urge you to head into battle Barefoot with the Hesitancy that comes from Human Inadequacy. Forget about the Gospel, focus on you—the natural you. You must stand on your own weakness; bear the pain of the journey and toughen up! Of course, Satan knows this will leave you vulnerable. On the other hand, man suggests that you put on the Socks of Laziness that comes from a Hidden Gospel. Good news can make you feel warm and fuzzy, but there’s no need for everyone to know that you have it. Man’s motto: “Keep it close, but keep it hidden.” You see, your feet can’t get hurt because you won’t move out of the comfort of the pew.

No, true protection comes only from the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15). This is the good news of Jesus Christ! The good news that, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that who ever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). That, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). That, “the wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life” (Rom. 6:23). Standing on this Gospel, those other sharp truths will not make us stumble!

But that’s not all. Paul asks a very important question: how can people know the good news if we don’t tell them (Romans 10:14, 15)? For the armor, he mentions the preparation, or readiness, that comes with this Gospel. There needs to be a willingness to share this Gospel. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” How wonderful it is to hear the good news of salvation, and to hear that we can have peace with God. How beautiful is the person who shares this with us! God calls the feet of those who carry His good news beautiful—not pretty, not calloused, scarred, and stinky—beautiful. God doesn’t want us to have tough feet; He wants us to have beautiful feet!

There is a difference between pretty feet and beautiful feet. Once, while I was a lifeguard, I was called to an injury. An older lady had cut her foot on the nearly smooth texture of the concrete floor. I learned that she never went anywhere without wearing shoes—she had beautiful feet, but every step was painful. I realized that the more she wore her shoes, the more she had to.

You see, the longer the gospel is our foundation—the longer we walk in it and the longer we share it—the more beautiful our feet become and the more sensitive we become. Things that may not bother others become painful to us. We’ll become sensitive to our own rough edges. We become fully aware of our need of a Savior. Then we see the importance of the shoes: the longer we stand on the Gospel, the more we’ll have to. The more we share the Gospel, the more we’ll want to.

Paul proudly proclaims in Romans 1:16, “…I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes.” Don’t be ashamed of the protection of the Gospel. Don’t be ashamed to share it with others. For if you desire to have victory in this rough world, you must secure your foundation; made ready by the Gospel to keep standing.

May the Good News of salvation be your foundation. May you proudly proclaim the Gospel of Peace to those you care about. May we stand, unashamed to have beautiful feet because of the Gospel of Christ!

Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness

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The wisest man who ever lived, once said, “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man” (Proverbs 27:19). Our heart reveals who we really are. In our society, the heart is referred to as the seat of the emotions. You can “put your heart into it.” You can do things “whole-heartedly.” You may love someone with “all your heart,” or experience a “broken heart.” Even Christians like to ask, “have you asked Jesus into your… heart?” Out of our hearts comes every issue of life. This is why Solomon counseled, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

It is natural then, that the next piece of armor that Paul advises us to put on is the Breastplate (Ephesians 6:14). He counsels that, after securing the belt of truth as the center of our life, we must make sure that the Breastplate of Righteousness is in place.

The Breastplate is an important piece of armor designed to protect a soldier’s core, or vital organs—the stomach, liver, lungs, and especially the heart. An arrow piercing any of these organs would spell doom for the soldier. Much like how a bullet-proof vest would protect today: while the force of a bullet may still knock a person down, the vest keeps the bullet from making the person a statistic.

It is interesting, though, that the Bible reveals another purpose for a breastplate. It isn’t one that a warrior wears, but one a priest wears. In Exodus 28:15, we find that they were instructed to make a “breast-piece for making decisions…” The breast-piece the priests wore helped make judgment calls between right and wrong. (How nice would that be today?) The Israelite priest always wore the means of making God-led decisions over his heart—which is the foundation of what righteousness is: right choices. I believe this idea is very much connected to the armor Paul is talking about. Although what the priest wore didn’t protect them physically, it did protect them and the people spiritually.

Of course, we don’t always see the need for protection. Yet, the heart is the doorway to our character. Everything that affects our lives centers in our heart. It is decision central. The place our will is located. It is the very place in us in which God desires to live! How valuable is that? But that’s why it is also very vulnerable. We must not fool ourselves and think that satan doesn’t wish to take up residence in our hearts as well. He’d do anything to get in and keep God out! And our character will always reflect our heart’s resident. If God is residing in your heart, you will be more God-like. But, the opposite is also true. So, we must guard our heart!

We must also be careful to avoid the substitutions. Satan would like us to think that righteousness is overrated and niceness is all we need. While being nice is good, it cannot take the place of righteousness and will not protect us in spiritual battles. Therefore, man suggests we manufacture our own: self-righteousness. The trouble with such self-made Christians is that they frequently worship their “creator.” Of course, this isn’t armor either, it is a straight-jacket. No matter how hard we struggle, nothing is ever really accomplished towards eternity. In the end, it is only a big self-hug.

Here is the solution: “For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:3, 4). The righteousness God offers comes from Him through Jesus Christ. How can we get this righteousness from God? “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus took our sins, so we could have his righteousness. He died so we could live. Again, we find our protection and victory in Jesus! It is His righteousness that is offered to protect our hearts, His righteousness that can give us wisdom for good decisions, and His righteousness that saves us.

Does this mean that it doesn’t matter what we do? Of course not! We weren’t saved from sin just so we could continue to live in sin. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Our new heart will reflect the change. If we have on the Breastplate of Jesus’ Righteousness, His life will shine through ours. We will live for righteousness. We would obey, not to be saved, but out of love for the One who saved us. We would live a new life in Christ, obedient to His guidance. It is in this obedience—following and listening to Jesus—that will protect our heart.

We suffer a lot of needless pain because we aren’t protected. If we want to have healing, security, or forgiveness in our heart we must guard our heart. Guard it with Christ’s righteousness; guard it with obedience to His right choices. Following Him will make us careful what we put in our lives, for not everything will bless us. We will be careful what we read, what we watch, and what we listen to—we will be careful who we let in. We must be on guard to keep out things that will bring us defeat.

Our protection, and victory, comes only from following Jesus. The good choices that protect our hearts will not be our own, but Christ living in us. If we desire to be still standing at the end of our spiritual battles, we must put on the Breastplate of Righteousness! Let God lead—be obedient to His guidance—and He will guard your heart.