The Belt of Truth

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've noticed the wide belt trend this season. Belts are everywhere, whether needed or not. (James is consistently baffled when I wear belts he declares are "pointless" because they don't serve the purpose of holding my pants up. No matter how wonderful, there are just some things men don't understand!)

God is ALL ABOUT big belts. In fact, it's the first accessory He tells us to put on. Ephesians 6:14 tells us to "gird our waists in truth." So we pretty much don't use the word gird anymore, but when we did, it had several meanings. First, it means to encircle or bind with a belt or band, so we know which accessory God is talking about. But pay attention to the next definition: to prepare (oneself) for action and to provide or equip, as with power or strength. So by putting on God's belt of truth, we are preparing ourselves to do God's work (action) and being empowered with God's might! You didn't know your belt was so important.

Let's look more at what the Bible tells us about truth...

God tells us to worship Him in truth. John 4:24 says, , "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." This means we can come before God just as we are. No show. No pretending. Just pure, authentic worship to our Father with the intention of showing Him adoration and praising Him for who He is. So when you are worshipping Him, don't pay attention to who's sitting beside you or who might be watching. Focus on the words you are singing to your Eternal Daddy, and make sure that the words that are coming out of your mouth match your genuine thoughts and actions.

We are not the truth. 1 John 1:8 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." That's exactly right. You mess up. I mess up. We all sin and "fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We are more inclined to do the wrong thing than we are the right thing within our own strength. But through Jesus who has declared himself as "The Way, The Truth, and The Life," we can come to the Father through Him alone (John 14:6). So recap. Who is not the truth? You. Me. Who is the truth? Jesus.

The truth will set us free. John 8:31-32 says, "So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in my Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." He reminds us that His Word is truth (Psalm 119:160) , and if we follow His teachings, we will be set free. Okay, that's great. But free from what? Christ paid the price to cover your sins so that you could have everlasting life with God in Heaven. If you don't only read one sentence on this entire blog, read this: Because of what Jesus did on the cross for you and for me, if we simply confess with our mouths that He is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we are free from sin, guilt, and hell in one fatal swoop. (If you don't understand this, PLEASE visit http://www.thekristo.com and e-mail me.)

Next, we're going to talk about putting on the breastplate of righteousness. But take some time first to prepare your heart for His righteousness and reflect on the truth He has shown you today. Read the words of David. Ask yourself if you fit the description of who God desires to live in His house.

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

In other words...Act right, even when no one is watching. Tell the truth. Don't hurt others with your words or actions, and don't blame others when you don't get your way. Hate evil, and love what is good. Be honest, no matter what. If you do these things, God will never take His hand off of you.