Ephesians 6:14a
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, . . ."
We ended the last verse (verse 13) with the instruction to stand against the wiles of the devil, wearing the armor of God. Today's devotional begins with the belt, and it's amazing how applicable it is to young people.
Growing up, the "fashion rule" was that if you're tucking in a shirt or if the waistline shows, you should wear a belt. Our pants were not and are not going to fall down! We buy pants according to waist-size so they won't fall down. Even today, for the most part, belts aren't functional; they're fashionable. However, Paul's visual was most likely the armor of the Roman guards. Paul was locked up when he wrote Ephesians. Little did the Roman guards know God would use their dress to inspire Paul to write Ephesians 6. The belt of their armor was both fashionable and functional.
Men in AD 62, around the time Paul wrote Ephesians, wore tunics, which hung past their knees. They could tie up their tunic for easier mobility, particularly in battle or in physical labor, and they needed their belts to help hold it. The belt also served to hold a sword, a knife, or a pouch. The belt was essential in holding things together.
The belt of a Roman soldier was also decorative and proved rank or identity, but it wasn't a clothing option; it was a necessity.
How does this belt connect with truth and the waist?
First of all, truth, like a belt, holds things together. For example, in John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." The truth is Jesus, and Jesus reconciles us with our Holy God. In John 8:32, Jesus says, "The truth will set you free." Truth keeps our lives together, intact. Truth holds everything in our lives securely, without falsehoods (Satan's tool) causing havoc.
"The truth will set you free."
Secondly, did you know that the health and strength of our core -- our waist -- basically provides for all other parts of our body? See this article, "15 Strong Core Health Benefits: Why Core Strength is Crucial," to see how important caring for your core really is. Satan wants to attack here.
God is giving you His belt of truth to wear for protection and for your health. As teens and college kids, you are busy. You're working, studying, taking classes, socializing, playing sports, having family time, and on and on. Then, there's no time for breakfast, but during your morning class, you're tired. You find a bag of candy to sustain you. For mid-morning, you have coffee with friends and maybe grab a donut. Before you know it, the day is over. You hit a drive-thru for a burger and soda. Every day becomes a repeat, and your body endures the toll of unhealthy eating habits. However, you're not at your strongest. Your mind isn't processing as effectively as it's able. You don't feel as strong as you could. And, the night of fellowship at church will have to wait until next week -- you're just not feeling up to it.
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| photo by manityagi from Pixabay |
It's a battle. The truth will guard you -- a quick piece of fruit or healthy breakfast will strengthen your morning, and healthy alternatives are available all day. It's difficult, but preparation ahead of time will help avoid tired, unproductive days. We need to be healthy and strong, ready to fully obey the Holy Spirit, compelled to serve our risen Savior. 1 Corinthians 6:20 instructs, "Honor God with your bodies." Prepare to feel strong enough to obey the Holy Spirit wherever He guides you.
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| photo by NickyPe from Pixabay |
Making healthy choices is a way of showing gratitude to God for the day He's given you. Rejoice and be glad in the day by being healthy.
Take care of yourself!