By: Elizabeth Louis
“Truth and the breastplate of righteousness—being right with God—strengthen us in all our endeavors. We need the shoes of preparation on any of life’s fields, along with the shield of faith—like football pads—to protect against the enemy’s attacks. The helmet of salvation, like a football helmet, also keeps us safe. Praying each day and putting on the full armor of God will help us gain an automatic first down—a deeper connection in God’s zone—and a sure win on any playing field.”
— Jake Byrne
We live in a world where deception is celebrated and truth is mocked. That’s why believers must remain alert and grounded in God’s truth. Scripture warns us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8, NLT).”
The enemy doesn’t care about your success or your goals—he cares about destroying your faith, distorting truth, and separating you from intimacy with God. But here’s the truth: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10, NLT).”
So the question becomes: Are you focusing on the enemy’s attacks—or on the abundance Christ already secured for you?
Last time, we talked about the Belt of Truth. Today, we’re focusing on the Breastplate of Righteousness—how to wear it effectively, courageously, and daily.
What Is Righteousness?
Righteousness means right standing with God—doing things God’s way, not the world’s way. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT).”
The old English roots of “righteousness” literally mean “wise way” or “right manner.” When you begin to walk in righteousness, you live wisely, aligned with God’s nature.
When you start trusting God and acting from your God-given identity, discernment grows. The more you practice righteousness, the stronger it becomes—like a muscle that matures with consistent use.
Remember Your Worth
Here’s where the enemy attacks most: your worth and identity.
You must remember how God sees you—not how you see yourself.
In His eyes, you are loved, chosen, and protected. “For the Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people (1 Samuel 12:22, NLT).”
Even when you fall short, God’s love remains constant. His righteousness isn’t about perfection—it’s about position. When you accept Jesus, you are made right with God, even as you’re being perfected daily.
But when you choose to sin or act outside of God’s truth, you effectively remove your armor. You say, “I’ve got this on my own.” That’s dangerous—because it leaves your heart exposed to the fiery darts of the enemy.
Historical Context: The Roman Breastplate
Roman soldiers wore one of two kinds of breastplates:
1. Metal bands fastened with leather thongs
2. Chainmail made of interlinked metal rings forming a vest
Both protected the vital organs—especially the heart.
Likewise, God’s Breastplate of Righteousness protects your spiritual heart—the place where your convictions, emotions, and identity live. When you walk in righteousness, God Himself guards your heart.
“He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head. He clothed himself with a robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion (Isaiah 59:17, NLT).”
How to Apply the Breastplate of Righteousness
God offers His righteousness to every believer through Jesus Christ.
“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5, NLT).”
“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9, NLT).”
So, what does it mean to put on this breastplate daily?
1. Receive Christ’s righteousness by faith.
You can’t earn righteousness—it’s a gift received through Jesus. “God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NLT).”
2. Stand firm against injustice and corruption.
“Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly (Leviticus 19:15, NLT).”
Walking in righteousness means doing what is right, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
3. Walk in faith and love daily.
“But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8, NLT).”
Righteousness is lived out through consistency. If you’re a part-time believer, you’ll see part-time fruit.
4. Trust God’s protection.
“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NLT).”
Wearing your breastplate is walking in full confidence that God will protect you as you walk uprightly.
The Psychology of Righteousness
Psychologically, righteousness guards your sense of self-worth and identity.
When you know you’re right with God, shame loses its power.
When you live dishonestly or outside God’s truth, you open emotional and spiritual wounds.
The enemy uses guilt and condemnation to weaken your confidence—but the righteousness of Christ stabilizes your mind and heart.
Righteousness restores integrity to your soul—it aligns what you think, what you feel, and what you do.
Reflection
Where does your breastplate of righteousness have holes?
Is it in forgiveness?
In obedience?
In integrity?
In how you love others?
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you’ve let your guard down.
Reinforce those areas with truth, obedience, and prayer.
“The Lord gives his people strength. He blesses them with peace (Psalm 29:11, NLT).”
Your righteousness is not your own—it’s a divine covering that guards your heart from lies, shame, and compromise.
You can’t protect your heart without understanding it.
If this message stirred something in you, it’s time to learn how to guard your emotions with the same spiritual strength that protects your faith.
In Navigating Emotions the Jesus Way, you’ll learn how to:
- Understand the emotional and spiritual purpose behind your feelings
- Recognize how the enemy manipulates emotion to weaken your armor
- Process anger, fear, sadness, and guilt in alignment with Scripture
- Build emotional stability rooted in God’s truth and righteousness
🕊️ Enroll today and learn how to master your emotions without losing your peace — and live from a heart fully protected by God.
