As we journey through the armor of God, we come to the belt of truth, a piece that is foundational not because it represents an abstract concept, but because it embodies a personal, living reality. In my years working as a spiritual director, I've seen how truth, when understood as a person, Jesus Christ, unifies and strengthens our entire spiritual life.
I worked with a pastor a few years ago who was struggling to find God; something he was ashamed to admit as a life-long minister. His career was unraveling, and with it, a sense of identity. This person often described feeling like a ship adrift, tossed by waves of uncertainty and fear.
One evening, as we sat before God, a childhood memory of sailing with a father was recalled. The father had taught that the key to navigating rough waters was to keep eyes fixed on a single point on the horizon. That point, the father had explained, was the truth guiding back to safety.
For this individual, this memory illuminated a foundational spiritual realization.
The belt of truth, became the unwavering point on the horizon, offering the stability needed to navigate life’s tumultuous storms. It was the unchanging truth of Jesus’ promises that anchored this person, keeping focus on identity in Christ and the steady love of the Heavenly Father.
In Ephesians 6:14, Paul urges us to "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." This isn’t about a theoretical protection; it’s about being grounded in the living presence of Christ. Without Him, the rest of our spiritual armor would lack cohesion and effectiveness. The truth is not a concept; it is the person of Jesus, who binds everything together and ensures we are not easily swayed by deception.
This understanding reshapes our encounter with one of the most poignant moments in the New Testament, Jesus standing before Pilate. When Pilate asks, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), he misses the profound reality that Truth was standing right in front of him. Jesus had already declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He didn’t say He had the truth or knew the truth. He said He is the truth.
In my work, I met with a working mom who often felt overwhelmed by dual roles at work and home. She struggled with expectations of perfection, believing worth tied to accomplishments and the approval of others. In one of our sessions, she confided in me about her exhaustion from trying to meet endless expectations; expectations from her family, from her boss, from her church, but ultimately from God.
I asked her to bring that to God and ask, "what do you want me to hear from You, oh Lord?"
She saw the Biblical scene of Jesus being baptized in the Jordan, but she heard the voice from Heaven speaking to her. "You are my beloved. With you I'm well pleased."
As we sorted through that vision, she was surprised to hear God's approval was declared before any good deeds were accomplished. Children of God are loved before we can do anything for God or others.
As she embraced this shift, she discovered an inner peace independent of external validation. Jesus became her anchor, and she realized that her identity was rooted in His work for her, not her efforts for Him. This newfound truth allowed her to experience a freedom she hadn’t known before, a freedom to love her children and herself without the heavy burden of perfection. For her, the belt of truth was Christ Himself, who assured her she is cherished, not for what she does, but for who He made her to be.
As we face life’s challenges, it’s crucial to remember that spiritual warfare involves more than external opposition; it’s an internal struggle to embrace the truth found in Christ. The enemy seeks to sow seeds of doubt and confusion, but the person of Jesus anchors us in God’s unwavering promises. In Him, we find our true identity and the certainty of our victory.
Embracing the belt of truth means living in a constant state of trust and reliance on Jesus, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives. It’s about abiding in Him, knowing that God is present in all things, guiding us through every action and decision. As we align ourselves with Christ, we become resilient against trials, discerning the enemy's lies and standing firm in our faith.
The armor of God, with Christ, the living truth, at its core, reminds us of the power available to us as participants of the New Creation. It calls us to an inner life of freedom, and an external life propelled by love. Grounded in this truth, we remember our rich heritage, echoing the Old Testament’s foundation of truth and faithfulness.
The belt of truth is not just a piece of armor; it is the essence of our spiritual identity in Christ. Embracing Him enables us to stand firm amidst adversity. As we welcome Jesus into every aspect of life, we are held together by Truth Himself.
Comments