Beginning with verse 14 of Ephe sians 6, we have an excellent listing of the various parts of this armour which the believer is to wear. First of all, you can be sure that no part of this divine equipment is ornamen tal in any sense. Every piece is functional. Remember, this armour is to be used not only for defensive warfare but also for offensive. In the first imperative we are to stand with our loins girt about with truth. That’s an interesting meta phor which suggests garb worn in the ltjng ago. People dressed with long flowing robes, evidently very comfortable for leisure activities of the home. When going out, or being involved in work, however, the gar ments had to be fastened about the waist to prevent them from catching on something. As a pictorial repre sentation, too, many people have the garments of their minds flowing every which way, confused and blown about by every wind of doc trine. No warrior would go forth without having his clothing securely fastened so that he wouldn’t work to his own defeat. When one is girded, it gives him a sense of fitness, firmness, and se curity. Using a seat belt in my car gives me a feeling of preparedness. Spiritually speaking, we need to gird up the loins of our minds. What ever your need may be, the truth of God is more than sufficient. The second thing we are to wear is the breastplate of righteousness. This was evidently what was called a coat of mail in the armour worn in those days. It extended from the neck down to the hips, covering the vulnerable parts of the body. It was usually made of small pieces of met al, overlaying one another, much like fish scales. This provided added strength and durability. Because of all the metal, some of these suits weighed a great deal. Goliath’s ar mour weighed some 160 pounds. Translating this into a devotional 18
truth, we must ask ourselves what type of righteousness it is where with we are to be covered. It is far more than just the righteousness which God imputes to us when by faith we receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. This is not only perfected righteousness but also practical righteousness. This is our manner of living for the Lord. How many people have become disgusted by some “deal” a Christian had foisted off on him. Haven’t you heard an in dividual caustically comment, “I wouldn’t do business with a Chris- T EM P E R When I have lost my temper I have lost my reason too. I'm never proud of anything which angrily I do. When I have talked in anger and my cheeks were flaming red, I have always uttered something which I wish I hadn't said. In anger I have never done a kindly deed or wise But many things for which I felt I should apologize. In looking back across my life and all I've lost or made, I can't recall a single time when fury ever paid. So I struggle to be patient, for I've reached a wiser age: I do not want to do a thing or speak a word in rage. I have learned by sad experience fhat when my temper flies, I never do a worthy thing, a decent deed or wise. tian.” Too many believers can talk the language, but fail to translate the practicality of their words into action. In verse 15 we read next of that which we are to wear on our feet. We are told that they are to be shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. An old Persian proverb de clares, “To him who wears shoes, the whole earth is covered with leather.” It’s a fact that this world is not a friend to the feet of man kind. Without shoes they become bruised and cut by rocks, thorns,
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