Breastplate of Righteousness

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) In Biblical times, people viewed the heart figuratively, much as we do today. Of course, we know that the heart is a vital physical organ, supplying our body with life-giving blood. But, we also poetically attribute many spiritual aspects to the heart just as those living during Biblical times did. Scripture reveals that God’s law is written in our hearts.  Hearts can be hardened, renewed, and purified. Our hearts transform knowledge and intellect into wisdom and discernment. Hearts can be filled with joy, sorrow, courage or fear. Our motivations are bolstered by the desires of our hearts. Our words, our thoughts, and our actions reflect the spiritual condition of our hearts. Our heart is the moral compass that directs our steps. God instructs us to harbor his Word in our hearts and love him with all our heart, soul and strength. 

At the time of Christ, the Roman army was famous for its might and success. The foot soldiers of the day, legionnaires, were disciplined, highly-trained and well-equipped. Perhaps Paul was inspired by the Roman soldiers guarding his cell while he was imprisoned in Rome. While there, he took advantage of the situation and did some Bible-writing!  Similar to the protective armor worn by soldiers of the time, in Ephesians 6:14 Paul urges us to put on the breastplate of righteousness and stand firm against evil. The Roman government provided soldiers with  breastplates to protect their hearts and other essential organs. Likewise, our God has provided us with a breastplate to protect us in our spiritual battle against evil– a breastplate of righteousness. As believers, we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. In the epic battle between good and evil, Jesus stands with us, guarding our hearts with a breastplate of his righteousness.

The Roman army was not successful simply because of their armor. They were also disciplined, well-trained and physically fit. We cannot fight Satan, either, with just the breastplate of righteousness we were given with our salvation. To defend our hearts and advance God’s Kingdom, we must also be disciplined and highly-trained. Train your heart with the Word. Nurture your heart with worship. Strengthen your heart by building relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Clothe your heart in prayer. Exercise your heart by loving your neighbor. As we do these things, we will grow in Christ’s righteousness.