The hardest people to reach with the love of God are not the bad people. They know they are bad. They have no defense. The hardest ones to win for God are the self-righteous people. —Charles L. Allen
I love those police dramas when one of the officers gets separated from all his buddies. He’s on a dark street and it’s night (and, of course, the street is always wet for some reason). With weapon drawn, he’s on the chase for the bad guys. The music starts getting really ominous. Sure enough, the bad guys are waiting and… BAM BAM! In slow motion he rocks back, drops his gun, and falls into a twisted heap on the cold pavement.
Game over?
No. Slowly, the officer begins to move! Then he stands to his feet and opens his uniform to reveal a bulletproof vest. Yes! The slugs are right there over his heart! The vest saves his life… and that modern piece of protection is a picture of the eternal protection God has given us in the breastplate of righteousness.
Stand firm then … with the breastplate of righteousness in place. (Ephesians 6:14)
If you’re living in Christ, you’re going to take your shots, too. Satan will do everything he can to convince you that you’re not who Christ says you are. Please remember: The intent of God’s breastplate of righteousness is not to perfect you, but to protect you and your heart today, tomorrow, and every day until that day you finally meet God face to face.
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)
That’s something to truly rejoice in. I don’t know of any better news than that.
Heavenly Father, You know my transgressions from my past, my failures today, and my sins of tomorrow. Thank You for protecting me from the accusations of Satan by shielding me with Your breastplate of righteousness. My soul rejoices in You. Amen.