Belt of Truth

Belt of Truth

‘Honesty is the best policy.’

That’s a phrase my mother used to say, often, as we were growing up. I was a rambunctious kid like many others, although generally well natured (in my recollection).

 Nonetheless, there still occurred the occasional broken plant pot, cracked window or other broken item that I would be tempted to conceal my responsibility in their destruction. It rarely worked, and repercussions were often greater because of it.

Truth, today, seems to be an easily lost commodity. It can be shaded to hide injustices or even to create injustice. Especially in our social and political climate. In our day as much as it was for Paul, we still face a spiritual battle and need our armor. 

So, in thinking about the battle we are in, why did Paul invoke the image of a belt for truth?

Undoubtedly, the image of armour he was considering would have been that of the Romans, and the belt is an important part of Roman armour.

There are the obvious things, like keeping loose clothing tight to the body so one is not obstructed in battle. We should all be free from the things that would trip us up, and make us hesitate in battle.

The belt held items like swords; the sword for us is the Word of God. Sometimes we may be tempted to twist an interpretation of Scripture to fit a message we want to convey – resist that temptation at all cost. The Word of God is truth to us. If we attempt to undermine that truth in its context, it will undermine our authority in wielding that truth.

Furthermore, the belt held the identifications of rank. We should know and be comfortable with who we are in the Kingdom of God – not lusting after another person’s ministry or authority, nor shying away from responsibility.

The belt also identified the soldier as a soldier. A soldier wore the belt to bed, and in some cases removing the belt was a symbol of suspension from active duty.

Truth, to us, is of utmost importance. It is not a tool to use or misuse: it is the thing that holds our armour tight and identifies us as participants in this spiritual war we face together.

Truth, however, is not hard to find. Study the Word, spend time in prayer. Learn to hear His voice, and in doing these things you will grow in discernment. We live in a world full of ‘other thing’ that can take our focus – scrolling on our phone, TV, social media. If you seek junk you will find it, but if you seek truth , your authority growing and ability to know the Word even greater.

 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

 John 8:31-32

I hope that encourages you.