Daily Blast - Armour of God: Day 6
Scripture
“So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt.”
Reflection
We are called to put on the armour of God to protect us against evildoers, but I’ll be honest putting on a belt wouldn’t be my go-to piece of kit… so why, in Ephesians 6, is it mentioned first? It must, surely, have a significance. Well, it does! Although belts today are used to jazz up your gear or to prevent your trousers from falling down, for a Roman soldier a belt was so much more. In traditional attire, the Romans wore long robes – not ideal for stepping into battle. By putting on his belt, the soldier could gather up all the loose material away from his legs, giving him the freedom to move about without tripping. His belt was also the piece of equipment that held his weapon and rations – although it would impressive if one soldier could defeat an entire army barehanded, realistically, this wouldn’t be possible. Additionally, hung from his belt, were thick pieces of leather that offered the soldier protection from his enemy. Now when you think about all this, this is not just a belt, it’s an M&S belt. It’s a belt that offers so much more than swagger and deserves centre stage in God’s armour checklist.
So, why is truth likened to this magnificent belt? Well, like a soldier’s belt that holds everything together, so too does truth. By wrapping truth securely around our waists, we can step foot in the right direction and accomplish all that God asks of us.
Challenge
My challenge for you today is very light-hearted. I wish for you to adorn your very own belt of truth. Find a bedsheet (or equivalent – this is going to be your Roman robe) and attach a belt*! Whilst you’re in this get-up, think about what truths you have built your life upon – spending some time to remember what you stand for and believe can help you refocus your attention on the important things.
*Of course, you can opt to totally omit this stage, as, let’s face it, it’s completely unnecessary for the task at hand – but where’s the fun in that 😉