The Breastplate Of Righteousness

We have access to many forms of protection. Various companies offer insurance for just about everything. We have locks on our doors, security systems, law enforcement, fences and barriers. Our bodies have antibodies to help protect us against sickness. Laws and rules are even a form of protection, but what about spiritual protection? Is that even necessary?

Ephesians 6:14b New American Standard Bible (NASB)

having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

For soldiers, the breastplate was the “first line of defense” for their bodies. It protected their vital organs from swords, arrows and clubs. The breastplate was essential for any suit of armor, without it one had no insurance for their fighting skills if they happened to miss or become out numbered.

Proverbs 4:23 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.

As Christians, we too have vital spiritual “organs”, primarily the heart. The New Living Translation says to “guard” the heart. It is the most important part of our spiritual lives.

Ezekiel 36:26 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

When we give our lives to Christ at salvation, God gives us new hearts, like His own, that are not dead, hard or cold, but soft and alive. We need to guard that heart so that we are not wounded spiritually. To do that, we need the breastplate of righteousness.

Righteousness is technically right living or standing with God. It is living like God, holy and pure, and having a good relationship with Him. Having that kind of lifestyle, which affects our entire lives to the very core of our being, will protect our hearts. It will keep us from falling into temptation so that we are not wounded by sin. It will help us maintain good relationships with others, and respond rightly to daily situations, so that we are not wounded emotionally. It will guard our minds so that we do not allow thoughts which will harm us mentally and lead to worse things. Righteousness is our spiritual protection.

So many think that living a godly life is boring and restricting, and meant to keep us from enjoying life, but in reality it is meant to protect our lives in the same way that traffic laws and safety rules protect us while on the streets. It keeps us in safe territory while we are in the world, with safe and necessary boundaries that keep us from going where we shouldn’t, where we might get mugged or crash. Remember that satan prowls like a lion, not in the open, but in dark alleys, hidden and secret. We may not always be aware of the attack before it comes so we need a breastplate to protect our vitals. It is of the utmost importance.

How is your protection? Are you wearing your breastplate today? Is it as strong as it should be?