Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

– Ephesians 6:14-15

The first pieces of armour of God highlight how the church both resists the enemy and advances the gospel. The belt of truth holds everything together. God’s truth protects against deception and empowers us to be bold in a world built on falsehood. The breastplate of righteousness protects the very core of our being. This righteousness is not our own moral perfection but the righteousness of Christ, credited to us by faith and worked out in our lives as we walk in obedience.

For footwear, Christian soldiers are equipped with the gospel of peace, giving them firm footing and readiness to move. Soldiers without proper footwear cannot advance far, but with them, they can march into new territory. Paul pictures the church as equipped to carry the message of reconciliation into enemy ground. Wherever the gospel of peace goes, darkness is pushed back and captives are set free. As the army of God, let us not cower in fear of Satan’s schemes; let us press forward with truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace, plundering the kingdom of darkness by bringing people into the light of Christ.

Prayer

Lord, clothe me in Your truth and righteousness, and give me readiness to bring the gospel of peace wherever You send me. Make me bold not only to stand firm but also to move forward in advancing Your kingdom. Amen.

Meditation

Do I see truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace as equipment for spiritual warfare, God’s provision for advancing His kingdom into enemy territory?