The Bulletproof Vest of righteousness

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Proverbs 4:23

A few weeks ago, there was a graphic security camera video circulating TV and internet of a man that shot another man from point blank range in the chest and within minutes the man was dead (hard to believe they can put that on network TV).  My heart breaks for everyone involved in these circumstances and its horrible how in just a matter of a moment, people’s lives can be turned upside down forever.

I can’t get this image out of my head but the other thing that comes to my mind as I think about this horrible situation is how important it is to guard your heart.  Not just from the physical assaults on our life but also the spiritual assaults. 

In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds us to “put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…” In verse 14, he writes, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” 

A few things worth noting: 

First, you can’t wear the breastplate of righteousness without the belt of truth.  They were an ensemble.  In fact, the breastplate worn by most soldiers in Paul’s day had some sort of beltloops that would keep it in place so that if you tried to wear the breastplate but didn’t wear the belt- it would fall off.  (Embarrassing and dangerous!)  

Second, the breastplate of righteousness was not in our own “self-righteousness” but in something that we “put on” in Christ.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  Christ, the only one without sin, became sin for us- and in doing so he also took on the consequences of that sin.  Which is how we can become righteous.  Christ alone. 
 
Third… Guard your heart.  You will face attacks for the rest of your life.  I don’t think anyone is exempt.  In fact, if you don’t face attacks from the enemy, you might ought to ask, “Why?”.  Life is a series of battles and blessings, and they usually happen simultaneously.  So, always wear your bulletproof vest of righteousness to guard your heart- for it is the wellspring of life.      

Thanks for reading and sharing!

Pastor Treavor

​PS  Our first Renew Gathering will be on August 29 at 6:45pm in Kendall.  This will be a time of fellowship and to connect with people interested in learning more about Renew Church.  We are hopeful that it will be in our new home but for now its “TBA”.  We would love for you to join us! (Kids welcome!)  

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