Suit Up! (Part 2)
To recap from last week, the first piece of armor is the Belt of Truth. We have also ascertained that this first piece of armor is the anchor for every other piece of the armor provided by God. The truth is the foundation of an effectively lived Christian life. Truth is not only foundation. it is also the propellant for people of faith to move forward while ensuring that the God connection is intact.
The second piece of the armor is the Breastplate of Righteousness. The breastplate protects the heart and the heart serves an important function physically and spiritually. It is central to human emotion and intellect and is the gauge of the relationship with God.
The breastplate protects the believers’ moral character and is instrumental in the ability to perceive and experience God’s presence. The Bible instructs us to protect our heart. “Above everything else guard your heart, because from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, ISV)
The Bible tells us to seek God with our heart. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
Finally, the Bible reminds us that from time to time, believers will be pushed by the challenges of life to veer outside of the confines of godly behavior and demeanor. The accuser of the brethren will set up false narratives and will lead even the most devout believer down a sinister path in life. Therefore, it is wise to heed this verse from the Old Testament, Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV): “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Let us suit up daily to protect our heart. The heart, when it is tender, open to the Lord, and in a posture of repentance, will keep us in close contact with God.
The real battle is not of flesh and blood. It is a spiritual battle. Guard your heart!
St. James AME Church is located at 360 Dorothy St. in Charleston and worship service is held on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. You may also join us on Zoom at pastorv.com.
