The second piece of armor God calls us to put on in Ephesians 6:13-18 is the breastplate of righteousness.

Righteousness is a loaded word and can wreak havoc in our souls if we fail to put it in proper perspective. So let’s do that now.

How do you define righteousness? I bet most of us define it as perfection. But how do we attain perfection when it is humanly impossible? The cross. That’s how.

In spiritual terms, we are called to guard our heart with righteousness. Why? It seems like an impossible task. And it is. That’s why God has already done an inside job. His work on the cross removed not only the penalty of sin but also gave us the gift of his own righteousness.

Because of this work, the spirit within us continually urges us to transform our behaviors and attitudes to line up with the standards of God’s expectations. In a nutshell, it’s upright living.

Will we ever be perfect at it? No. But God’s work in us won’t be complete till our feet walk the pavement of heaven. Until then, we are to heed the Spirit within us and follow the footpath toward righteousness.

In physical standards, the purpose of the breastplate is to guard the vital organs, particularly the heart. In battle, it could mean the difference between life and death.

In spiritual standards, the breastplate represents righteousness, or upright living. When we make choices to align our behaviors and our attitudes with God’s standard of living, we protect our heart from attack. It is a defensive stance with an offensive tactic.

In practical terms, it could mean picking the right person to date. It could also mean choosing to be a good example for our kids. Or, choosing to forgive when holding a grudge would be easier. Honestly, anything that God is prompting you to alter or change will fit into this category of practical righteousness. It’s not about perfection but about the process of becoming.

Over the next few weeks of this holiday season we will be challenged on all fronts regarding righteous living. Every challenge is an opportunity to transform into more of the person we were created to be. What will you choose? What will you become?

Reflect and Respond:

I want to encourage you to listen to what God is specifically calling you to this week. What is he whispering to your heart that needs some adjusting? Will you heed the call to align your behavior and your attitude to his will for your life?

Remember, you are not alone. Be blessed this week as you allow HIS righteousness to change you from the inside out.