The Breastplate of Righteousness

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God... Having put on the breastplate of righteousness..."

- Ephesians 6:10, 11, 14

While most of us are not into Roman battle armor today, the apostle Paul uses it as an illustration of what is important. In the Roman soldier's armor the breastplate was made of bronze and backed by heavy leather. If something penetrated that, it was usually fatal. The breastplate protected the most vital organ....the heart. Proverbs 4:23 tells us:

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are (all) the issues of life."

Alexis de Tocqueville, who was French historian, wrote about America in the 18th century. His analysis was that "America is great because she is good. If she ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great." The Bible states it this way:

"Righteousness exalts a nation; but, sin is a reproach to any people."

Proverbs 14:34

The increasing evidence of corruption in government, in business, and in the personal lives of our nation's leaders does not bode well for the future of our country. It is easy to point the finger at others. But, the truth is we need to start with our individual commitment to do what is right. When people learn to tell the truth and do what is right, one learns that there comes from that behavior a blessing. King David was deeply concerned with integrity and uprightness in his personal life. See Psalms 7:3-5. Yet David ended up guilty of adultery and murder. Sometime we think that if we fail in one endeavor, that one's life is over and there is no hope. The message of the cross is that we are all sinners and stand in need of grace and mercy. Our Lord is the God of second chances. Even when we absolutely blow it....there is an opportunity the next time to do what is right. The secret to life is to realize that everything comes from God. We are simply trustees or stewards of what the Lord has given to us. We owe him a "fiduciary" duty of loyalty which extends to our employers. (I Cor. 4:2; Eph. 6:5-6; Col. 3:22) A Christian needs to pay one's debts and honor one's commitments.

Most of us our uncomfortable with the word "righteousness" when it references us. We need to understand that "righteousness" is something we are, not something we do. Righteousness within the heart of a believer affects what we do; but, what we do does not make any of us righteous. Jesus told his disciples:

"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:20

I can picture the reaction of the crowd. There must have been a collective gasp! If they are not good enough then who can be saved? Pharisee means "separated". Separation from the world does not mean salvation as far as God is concerned. (John 8:44) Jesus called the Pharisees liars, vipers, and hypocrites. Matt. 23: 27,28. There are no forms of external righteousness. Over the years religion has suggested that certain sacraments, specifically worded prayers, or certain dress codes were required. Religious righteousness can save no one. Only one's confession faith in Jesus as Messiah that comes from a believer's heart and results in a new birth of water and spirit can save someone. That is the breastplate of righteousness that can guard and protect one's heart.