Full Armor of GodSample

God Gives You His Righteousness

The breastplate (also known as body armor) protected the vital organs, especially the heart. In some instances it was literally called a “heart guard.”

What strikes me most about the breastplate in the armor of God is how it’s described: “the breastplate of righteousness.”

You and I can’t create our own righteousness. “As the Scriptures say, ‘No one is righteous—not even one’” (Rom. 3:10 NLT). We need someone to impart their righteousness to us. This is what happens when we place our trust in Jesus. “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith” (Phil. 3:9 NLT).

This goes against our human nature, our desire to strive and earn and prove. Someone once said to Jesus, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” (John 6:28 NLT). Jesus replies, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent” (v. 29 NLT).

Believing. Trusting. Surrendering our desire to prove we’re good enough. The righteousness we receive through Jesus alone is our heart’s hope and defense. We take what’s his as ours, and then he empowers us to live it out.

God, you are my heart’s hope and defense now and forever. I will put on the breastplate of righteousness you've given me today. Amen.

What’s one area of your life where you especially need God to guard your heart today?