Ephesians 6:14 (NIV) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

The Greek word for a Roman soldier’s breastplate is kardiophúlax, which is literally translated, “heart-guard”.  The criticality of guarding our physical hearts pales in comparison to the importance of protecting our spiritual hearts from the corruption of this world, for it is the dwelling place of the Spirit of God (if we have invited Christ in). The wisdom of Proverbs 4:23 warns, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  In other words, our thoughts, words, and actions all depend upon the condition of our hearts.  As a soldier guards his physical heart with a breastplate, so must we guard our spiritual hearts with righteousness.

Since we know that “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10), how are we to protect ourselves with a breastplate of righteousness?  How do we, as sinful people, stand a chance at guarding our hearts?  The answer is found in Jesus Christ.  Paul tells us that he “became for us…righteousness” (1 Cor 1:30). When we abide in Him, and He in us, we have within us the Holy Spirit.  When we are obedient to His prodding, He becomes a breastplate of righteousness welded together with more strength than the sturdiest metal.  The breastplate He fits us with is fortified with the impenetrable power of God Himself.

When the prophet Isaiah spoke of the LORD he said, “His own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate.” (Isaiah 59:16, 17)  The Lord is full of righteousness, so much so that it sustains Him completely, protecting His heart from the devastation of our evil choices and overriding the acute cancer of human sin.  It is the only true righteousness there is, and obedience to Him is the only source of protection for our hearts.