The belt of truth is the first piece of armor Paul talks about in Ephesians 6. What is the relevance of the belt of truth? If you go back to it's context it comes back to the belt of the Roman soldier as he prepared for battle.
The belt played a crucial role in the effectiveness of a soldier's armor. It was the belt that held the scabbard, without which there would be no place to put a sword. Imagine an overzealous soldier, fired up and charging out into battle—but without his belt, and consequently without a weapon!
In addition, the Nelson Study Bible says from the belt "hung strips of leather to protect the lower body." The Matthew Henry Commentary says the belt "girds on [secures] all the other pieces of our armor." Truth should cleave to us as a belt cleaves to our body.
So the belt is important. When my boys were growing up one pet peeve that annoyed me to no end was the sagging of pants. I was adamant they wear a belt to hold their pants up - apparently, there is more to it than simply the use of covering ones butt...or is there?
One of the pieces that challenges me is truth. To be clear, I value truth above most anything else. For me truth is not relative. Perception may impact one's interpretation of truth but even then if the perception of truth is seen through any glass or window other than the truth of God's Word it is scewed. It is not reliable and often leaves it's viewers lost and confused. For me this is an important piece of the armor. Casting Crowns has a song that I listen to often - it helps me get centered in who is the voice of truth in my life.
Some of the lyrics are:
But the Voice of truth tells me a different story the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!" and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth
Am I the only one who struggles to define truth? So many things are spoken into our livcs - so much junk wrapped in pretty words or just enough truth to draw us in but not completely the heart of God - His truth - the truth that sustains, restores and builds us up for His kingdom.
The truth strengthens us - the lies disable us and render us completely helpless in the battle. We are exposed and vulnerable to complete brokenness. Who has not witnessed the lives of potential soldiers in the army for the kingdom laid out on the road of life - broken and wounded by the lies of Satan? Is this really God's intent - of course not - still we see it often. The lies begin in the womb, the lies continue in childhood, and continue their disabling work every day of our existence without the super natural intervention of God Himself with His truth - the only truth that matters, the only truth that makes us ready to fill God's purposes in our lives. The only salvation to freedom from the lies is found in knowing Gods truth. Be filled - drink of His truth daily - do not walk exposed and posed for attack. How do we know it's God when His words comes to us through our spirit? Here is a tester: Is what you are hearing breathing life to your soul? Is it edifying - healing and empowering? If it doesn't meet that testers it is likely not God speaking to you.
John 17:17 tells us we are sanctified (set apart for sacred use; to make holy; purify) by truth - the truth of God's Word. Jesus, praying to the Father, gives a clear and straightforward definition of truth: God's Word (Scripture—the word of truth) was given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The Greek expression translated "inspiration of God" literally means "God-breathed"! He actively and fully inspired the Bible to reveal His truth to us. His promises, His commands, His word—they are all truth, plain and simple.
A belt encompasses the waist. Does our conviction to the truth encompass us? Th belt is important - it is allows us to carry the sword of the Spirit and use it effectively. Any additional thoughts or comments?
