“I’m so proud of you sweetheart!” genuinely tells the father to his little one, as she’s nervously doggy-paddling for the first time in the sea.
Those were daddy- daughter moments a few mornings ago as our family had the privilege to swim in the Red Sea. Our girls are fearless and brave in the water. My husband, as a great daddy, was there to reassure and guide them to become better swimmers. (He tried the same with me, but I look more like a scared cat wishing for Moses to part the sea again.)
As I wake up to live another day, am I giving God the opportunity to look at my breastplate of righteousness and tell me “I’m so proud of you sweetheart! I’m so proud of you!” ?
God’s Approval.
In our last article we’ve been challenged to put on the FULL Armour of God. Buckled tight with the belt of truth around our floating garments at the waist, now we’re ready to put on the breastplate.
Ephesians 6:14 tells us “Stand firm then … with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” Another translation says: “…put on God’s approval as your breastplate. ”
Here are a few questions to ask ourselves daily as we dive into our sea of activities.
Would God approve of our thinking lifestyle “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22
Would God approve how we are using our body? “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” Romans 6:13
Would God approve of our living lifestyle in our home, school, work? “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Proverbs 11:3
Would God approve of our intentionality in sharing the gospel with others?” For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
A Shiny Breastplate
Lots of Christians are familiar with the famous Sunday School song “This little light of mine”. A few months ago I stumbled on a youtube with a slightly different version of it. The song is sung by a walking light bulb in a very dark neighbourhood. By the end of the song, more light bulbs unite together to sing and shine, exposing the dark town to light.
I love this imagery, because it reflects what we should be doing daily- shine for Jesus! This challenge is clearly expressed in Matthew 5:13-16 that says:
” You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
A genuine breastplate of righteousness that has God’s approval on it, will shine the King’s glory, not our own barely-flickering candle light that can be easily snuffed out by pride.
God will use some of us to shine smaller: in a farmer’s shed, in the backyard of a home. God will use others to shine with a bigger purpose as a street light in downtown, or as airport lights helping planes land safely. No matter where the place is that God put us in, we should be ready daily to shine Christ’s righteousness.
The problem is that there are some that want to shine at maximum capacity, in key places, but to be very energy efficient (with minimum effort for Jesus).
You can’t shine economical for Jesus!
The Breastplate And The Shield, Like Ketchup And Mustard
‘The breastplate of righteousness’ goes hand in hand with the ‘shield of faith’.
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ” James 2:14
Growing up, I heard my dad often say “When you go share the gospel with the hungry, wrap your Gospel tract around a loaf of bread. When the growling stomach is calm, people hear you better. “
On the other hand, in Romania, we are surrounded by a culture that promotes good works over faith. You only get to spend eternity with Christ if you do enough good. Well, the Scripture says the two are connected.
We are saved by faith. But, faith without deeds is dead. The righteousness in us should be a reflection of our faith in Christ.
How To Get Equipped For Righteousness?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Be a student of the Bible. Pray for strength to apply it. On our own it’s impossible. We need Christ enabling us to live according to His approval, and we need the believers around us to support us.
My Prayer:
Lord, there are days when I’m scared to ask if You are proud of how I’m wearing the breastplate of righteousness, because I already know the answer. Please give me integrity in every aspect of my life. Help me to not live a double life, but one that consistently will shine your glory. Help me to daily spend time in Your Word, so I can be trained, and equipped for every good work You prepared for me. Thank you Jesus!