The Girdle
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth. Ephesians 6:14a
Read Ephesians 6:10-14
Let us look at the Christian armour in a little more detail. Did you expect a girdle or waistband to be given such prominence? Why is a waistband so important? When we think of the tunic a soldier in those days wore, we should not think in terms of pants and a buttoned up jacket; we should think of a flowing robe that hung loosely to just over the knees. Without a waistband, such a robe would hinder a soldier’s movements, possibly causing him to stumble and fall. That would be catastrophic when facing an enemy, so a waistband was an essential part of a soldier’s outfit.
A soldier’s waistband also had other functions. From it the soldier could hang various implements used in hand to hand combat; there they would be within his reach. The waistband of a Christian is the truth of God, particularly as we find it in the Bible. The question is: Have you girded yourself with this truth? Do you take your Bible with you when you travel or have to be admitted to the hospital? Does the Word of God have the most important place in your life? Without the Bible, life becomes chaotic, having no direction or purpose.
But there is also another aspect to this concept: the waistband of truth makes a person honest. When you have it on, your walk of life will be in truth and uprightness. The power of darkness fights his battles with lies, but the Christian wields God’s truth. That truth will gain the victory. You can be sure of it!
Thought: The Bible speaks honestly about you. Do you agree with it? What does this mean to you?
Psalter 64:1,2 (based on Psalm 25) Lord, I lift my soul to Thee, O my God I trust Thy might; Let not foes exalt o’er me, Shame me not before their sight. Yea, may none be put to shame, None who wait for Thee to bless; But dishonored be their name Who without a cause transgress. Lord, to me Thy ways make known, Guide in truth and teach Thou me; Thou my Saviour art alone, All the day I wait for Thee. Lord, remember in Thy love All Thy mercies manifold, Tender mercies from above, Changeless from the days of old.