The Only Belt

 

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth… [Eph 6:14a ESV]

 

It was not going well.  I was wrestling a large item through our fence gate so it would be on the curb for the waste collection service to pickup and dispose of.  For some reason, my shorts selected this activity to suddenly be too loose and threaten to fall down.

 

As I dragged the soon-to-be discarded item to the curb with one hand while the other held my shorts, I made a resolution: Find my one and only belt! It’s imitation black and white snakeskin.  My fashion sense told me it would be fine on my camouflage shorts as long as I kept it under my hot pink Tshirt. (It’s amazing what we find to be fashion acceptable when we’re lazy!)

 

I’m in the “fluffy” season of life where elastic waistbands direct all fashion decisions.  I really only own one belt as I can count on one hand the number of pants with loops in my closet.

 

I have pondered the whole armor of God we are instructed to “put on” in chapter six of Ephesians. I acknowledge a parallel.  Spiritually, I have only one belt. It’s God’s belt of truth.

 

The belt in the spiritual armor acted as a girdle.  To those of you unfamiliar with the history of women’s undergarments, the girdle was the foundation.  It gave shape and support.  It hid a multitude of dietary sins and was the anchor for stockings.  As a child I remember the TV commercials touting the advantages of modern designs for girdles.

 

Today it’s hard to find a girdle because we don’t see the value.  We are more enlightened and body shape is not so strictly defined.  Gone is the peer pressure to have specific measurements for our bodies.

 

Personally I do not miss the girdle, but I still believe I need my spiritual ”girdle” of truth.  To think about strapping on the belt of truth makes me feel empowered, a bit like a legendary action hero or maybe a champion of wrestling.

 

I am a follower of Jesus because His truth gives my world order.  I could not live with the everchanging truths of the world.  It feels like chaos to me.

 

God’s truth is the foundation of love, peace and eternity.

 

I did find my only belt and looped it through my shorts waistband.  Unfortunately, I didn’t cinch it tight enough as later in the day my shorts ended up at my ankles while heading down the basement steps.  I see the spiritual implication.  Don’t just put on your belt of truth but cinch it up to take full advantage of God’s truth’s strength and comfort.

 

The belt in medieval knight times held the sword in place.  The belt was worn on the outside so the sword would be handy.  Paul lists the sword of the Spirit in a following verse.  I’m going to think on that for a bit.  Stay tuned but in the meantime, cinch up your belt of truth and follow Jesus!

C uz

I

N eed

C hrist’s

H elp!

Put it on!

 “Put it on!” Just like the TV commercial my right toes were speaking to me.  I have a recent addition to my “fashionable” wardrobe.  At some point about 4 months ago I broke a bone in my foot.  We had a busy schedule so I limped around for a couple weeks.  Then noticed the swelling so took care to wear the roomier shoes.  My regular doctor appointment was coming the next month so I mentioned it.  X-rays revealed the break and thus, the not so attractive shoe.

 

Not to worry!    I have a plan!

 

I really dislike this shoe.  I am not conscientious about wearing it.  This month’s xray showed only 70-80% healed.  So another month with my unsightly footwear.  Guess the only way the shoe will do its job is to be used!

 

First thing every morning, as soon as my feet hit the floor,  I find my “hope for healing” and get my mismatched shoes on my feet.

 

Put it on reminded me of the times the Bible tells us to put on something.

 

Therefore, 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. [Eph 6:13 NIV]

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [Eph 6:14 ESV]

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [Eph 6:15 ESV]

 

Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we are able to withstand the schemes of life on the Earth.  The armor won’t do its job, protecting us, if we don’t put it on! It’s my choice to “out on” the equipment God has provided.  Just as my special shoe can’t help me heal laying in my closet.  It needs to be on my foot fulfilling its purpose.

 

I thought I had a plan to deal with my injury.  The doctor told me.  “Wear it as much as possible.”  I chose a loose definition of “as much as possible.”  After 4 months I’m 70-80% healed.

 

Why do I settle for 70-80%? God’s way is 100%, even though it may not be my plan or something I understand.

 

My little search into the use of the Greek word for foot revealed that it was often used in the context of putting one’s foot on the vanquished or in reference to a disciple sitting at the teacher’s feet.

 

I’m ready to vanquish the broken bone so I’ll wear that lovely shoe!  Perhaps my life circumstances will be better dealt with by spending time at The Teacher’s feet learning about that peace that passes all understanding!

 

As I put on my clothes every morning, the Bible tells us to put on our spiritual equipment.  I can plan my physical wardrobe to fit the activities of the day.  God’s  armor works for my benefit every day in all circumstance.  So let’s put it on!

 

Maybe there’s more to learn about the “whole armor of God”.  I could start a fashion trend with mismatched shoes and who knows what a belt of truth would look like in 2023?  I’m going to ponder that!