The Breastplate of Righteousness

 The second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness.

 Ephesians 6:14 “with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”    The breastplate was the part of the armor that protected the vital organs like the heart and lungs.  Therefore, it was one of the most important things that the soldier could have on.  

  The Greek word for righteousness in this scripture is dikaiosune (Strong's #1343).  Crosswalk's online lexicon gives these definitions for this word: In a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God; the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting.  In a narrower sense, justice or the virtue which gives each his due.    

So, if we are to put on the breastplate of righteousness, what does that mean and how does it protect us from the devil?  Since this scripture is directed at those who know Christ, the righteousness here is the part of the definition which speaks of integrity, purity, rightness, correct thinking and correct acting.  As Christians, if we are putting on these things every day, then we will definitely have trouble following the ways of satan.  We can’t have integrity AND steal, we can’t have purity AND be sexually immoral, we can’t act correctly AND cuss someone out…you get the picture!   If we have truly given our lives to Christ and are seeking God’s righteousness, we will be changed. 

 Ephesians 4:22-24 says “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” 

 So put on the breastplate of righteousness EVERY day and guard your heart from satan’s wickedness.