Begin with the Belt of Truth!

 

“Stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” (Ephesians 6: 14a NIV84)

            We all wear belts at one time or another, sometimes out of necessity and sometimes as an accessory.  In ancient times, the belt, or as they called it – the girdle was primarily a necessity.  They generally wore long, flowing robes, so the girdle was essential to bind up the robes for travel or work, and especially for running.  It was also the place where they kept their valuables such as money, important papers, etc.

            Paul tells us to begin this journey with the belt or girdle of truth firmly in place.  Just as the girdle held their robes and valuables in place, God’s truth will be the anchor that secures all the other parts of our armor. 

            Jesus said “If you hold to my teaching, you are my disciples.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8: 31b, 32, NIV84). He also said “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14: 6, NIV84).  So, to know “truth”, we must know Christ.  We must not just “know” Him, we must accept and acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior of our lives.  That’s where the surrender occurs.  If you haven’t already accepted Christ as your Savior, that’s the first step in your journey.  Here are some steps and Scriptures that you need to consider:

            Believe in the Lord Jesus                           Acts 16: 31

            Repent of your sins                                      Acts 2: 28

            Confess that Jesus is Lord                         Romans 10: 9

            Be baptized                                                   Acts 2: 38

If you need help or have questions, reach out to me in the comments.

            Perhaps, you gave your life to Christ at some point in the past, but your faith has wavered over the years.  It’s not too late to come back to Christ.  God longs for you to return, and if you are ready to renew your commitment, He will walk with you every step of the way. 

            Without that commitment, the belt of truth, the rest of the armor will be of little value.  We must begin this journey fully grounded in our belief and acceptance of Christ as Lord.  Otherwise, we will be detoured time and again by anything Satan can use to distract us.  Our eyes must be focused on Jesus, for He alone can enable us to stand firm to the end.

            Next time, we’ll look at some additional pieces of armor.  Until then, focus on Christ, the atoning sacrifice for our sins!  He is the Truth!

I John 2: 2

I John 4: 10

 

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