14 day plan

Go deep

Day 11 of 14

NIV

Ephesians 6:14

14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Reflection:

A belt holds things together. Putting on the belt of truth stops meaning, morality and hope from falling down and breaking on the rocks of meaninglessness, confusion and moral chaos.

Fundamentally, truth is an insight given by God… and it is a precious thing.

It is also emancipating. It frees us from competing opinions, opinions too often rooted in ego and self-interest. Jesus speaks of knowing a truth that will give you meaning and which will release you into your intended destiny. He says, ‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:32).

Truth is a sacred entrustment. Sometimes truth is so big it is almost overwhelming. Often, however, it is a shy thing, with a delicacy that quite belies its profundity.

Do seek it out.

Jesus spoke of a merchant who did not rest until he found the ‘pearl of great price’ (Matthew 13:45-46).

Truth is waiting to be found by the diligent.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, the world is fractious, brutal, and full of folly. We are in desperate need of your truth. Please teach us your truth, and make us fruitful in sharing it with others… so that they might know hope.

Ephesians 6:1-24

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

The Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.