The breastplate of righteousness

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; - Ephesians 6.14-18

The breastplate is the part of our armour that protects the heart and other vital organs. The thing that protects our spiritual heart and keeps us safe from the enemy is righteousness. We are blessed in that we are all imputed with Christ righteousness the moment we accept Christ as saviour. All of His righteousness is placed on us. That indwelling righteousness gives us the heart to keep on going. It should protect us from the wickedness around us.

But there is a practical side to this righteousness. God called on us to reflect our imputed righteousness to the world around us. Our behaviour should not reflect the ways of the world. We can’t fight their battle with our meagre weapons because they will win.

When we live in righteousness when we walk in obedience to God, when our actions please Him, when we live in the light of Christ’s righteousness.

When I put on the breastplate of righteousness I chose to do right. When possible conflict comes or we need to make a decision we choose to do right no matter what the perceived cost. We read God’s word, we pray, and we do right. That’s how we protect our spirit.