Supported and Identified by Truth

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Image source: Biblecartoon.co.uk


    A belt is a practical part of a most wardrobes.  It may be essential for keeping pants or skirts in the proper location around the waist, or merely an accent piece as a desired fashion ensemble is compiled.  For the soldier in the first century, it was a critical piece of their armor.  Used to carry the sword and many other items, it freed the soldier's hands for service.  Wide and strong, it provided much needed core support for the soldier as he bore the weight of  heavy armor for long hours. I can imagine the back pain that would follow a long day of wielding that armor, even for young, strong recruits.  Additionally, the belt identified the soldier.  The decorations and number of leather straps hanging from his belt most likely identified the soldier's rank and army.  

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,"  Eph. 6:14a, NIV

    The first, critical part of our armor that will enable us to stand firm in the face of attacks from forces of darkness is the "belt of truth." The core support for our defense is truth! What confidence we can draw from knowing that this is the source in which our faith is grounded and secured.  With our backs supported, the weight of the rest of our armor will not pull us down.  

    But what is truth?  John clearly defines this for us.  Truth is Jesus! 

  • "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). 
  •  "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
  • "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
    The center of our faith, upon which all elements of our defense are secured, is Jesus.  Jesus provides the support that is so vital to our ability to "stand firm" as we bear the weight of our armor each day.  Conversely, without Him, we are without that critical central support.  

    Our belt of truth identifies us as a soldier of the One True God.  Our identity is defined by truth, which we have just seen is Jesus.  This belt is meant to be clearly visible and displayed proudly.  It is not intended to be hidden from public view.  It is an honor to be able to wear this, as well as a responsibility.  

    The responsibility we have each day is to put on this essential wardrobe article and then to live in a manner that will not defame the glory of the army we are representing.  It will never wear out or go out of style.  Do we do this daily by listening to the truth found in God's Word? Listening to the words of Him who is truth allows us to gird ourselves with that support.  Time in His Word equips us to be grounded in truth.  Truth found in Jesus.  With our belt of truth in place we are in a position to put the rest of our armor in place, knowing our core is strong, allowing us to stand tall.  

💓Heather Sparks💓

   

 

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