Fitted for Battle: Belt of Truth

“Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth” Ephesians 6:14a.

Soldiers in biblical days tucked their flowing garments under the band worn around the waist to keep their feet free of entanglement. The belt’s security was crucial as it also held their vital weapons of warfare. In verses eleven and thirteen, Paul instructs the Lord’s soldiers to put on, take unto them the whole armor of God. The band of truth holds the defensive pieces securely, close to the body. What is this truth that holds us? The Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Unless you are secure in Christ and live by God’s principles, you will fall defenseless before the enemy of this world.

God is holy; He hates lies and deceit. According to Proverbs 6:16–19, you lie if you:

Bend or twist the truth

Carefully veil information to hide a deceptive action

“Cover” for someone, so other people will not know the “real” person

Skillfully word a conversation to hide the truth of the matter

Speak “white” lies or half-truths

All humanity, apart from Jesus, has lied during their lifetime. Does this mean God hates us? No, but He hates sin. You miss the mark of God’s perfection if lies and deception are part of your daily routine—no matter how innocent or helpful it seems for you or another. To think we can hide lies and deception from God is futile. That mindset will stunt our walk with Him; we will not flourish, and other people may be affected by the error of our ways as well. The Book of Wisdom instructs us: The person who tries to hide or explain or give excuses for their transgressions will not succeed or have peace of mind. But whoever acknowledges and turns away from them, forsaking them (does not return to them), will experience God’s mercy, forgiveness, and inner peace (Proverbs 28:13–14).

God’s truth should be the very core of our being with the other pieces of armor connected to it. That truth should infiltrate our every thought, word, and action. With the Gospel’s truth at the center of who we are in Christ, personal integrity and moral courage will emerge mightily in our battle against the unseen spiritual forces of wickedness. Tighten your band of truth and stand firm soldiers of the Lord. (Righteousness is the armor-piece subject tomorrow.)