A breastplate is a metal plate worn as defensive armour for the breast and the chest area of the body. The breastplate defends the soldier from getting hurt at the region of the body that is protected. Important to note is that the breastplate also protects the heart from possible injuries. The soldier needs the breastplate to protect themselves. It is not an offensive armour but a defensive one. Paul admonished the Ephesians church that for them to stand their ground against the enemy, they need the breastplate of righteousness. What is the breastplate of righteousness? Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place (Ephesians 6:14) The breastplate of righteousness refers to the Christian’s character and conduct. Our consistent desire to reflect the life of Christ does not happen without us putting in the effort to daily grow up into the image of Christ. It also requires our faith in the Lord and the assurance of our salvation. Whatever the enemy pushes to us should meet a defensive wall of a righteous Christian character built with faith to reflect the likeness of Christ. The breastplate protects the heart, the chest region, the belly and everything within that region. Since the beginning of the world, the devil has used man’s heart desires to attack man. For example, he knew Jesus had fasted for 40 days and nights and would be hungry and therefore brought food as the temptation. The breastplate of righteousness defends us from evil arrows aimed at breaking our defense and destroying what we truly believe. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile” (Rom. 3:22). Our righteousness is from the finished work of Christ but we need to consciously live it out. The devil looks for loopholes in our character and he uses that to attack us. Do not allow a character deformity to be the entry gate for the enemy. Let the word of God dwell richly in you. Have the attitude of Christ. Do not be filled with just food, but by every word that comes from God. Check your circles and do not associate with people who influence you to move away from God. If the enemy shoots an arrow targeted at your heart, will it hit on the breastplate of righteousness?
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