The belt of Truth

As we gird up for battle by putting on the full armor of God, the Apostle Paul tells us first to "put on the belt of Truth." In fact, the word gird means to bind up as with a belt. Since Paul lived in the 1st century A. D. in Roman-dominated Palestine, it is safe to assume that his references to armor were intended to invoke the image of the fearsome Roman soldier.

The belt, or cingulum, of the Roman armor was typically a rather narrow belt made of leather. It was usually adorned with plates of embossed or engraved tin. In the first century, it was also equipped with strips of leather (also adorned with plates of metal) that hung down in front to protect the groin. The purpose of the belt was to take some of the weight off the soldier's shoulders by supporting the sword (gladius) and the dagger (pugio).

Why did Paul tell us first to put on the belt of Truth? The Roman soldier typically wore his belt at all times. Is it not appropriate, then, that we should wear the "belt of Truth" at all times? Our Lord said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:6, emphasis mine.) It seems to me, then that we are not only to cling to the Truth at all times, but because Jesus is the Truth, we are never to be without Him.

He has told us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Joshua 1:5) But He also told us, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:5-8, emphasis mine) Speaking from my own experience, it is easy to forget to "remain in Him." Of course, whenever I fail to remain in Him, I also fail to produce fruit.

In a later post I will address "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Here, let us simply relate the sword to the belt. If the purpose of the belt was to support the sword, Paul's analogy of the belt representing the Truth fits nicely into our Christian soldier's armor. The word of God contains only truth. We can therefore say that the truth underlies or "supports" the word of God. In addition, the truths that have been discovered through biblical archaeology always support the scriptural descriptions of historical events, cultural practices, and even miracles that are described in the word of God. So, Paul's analogy of the belt representing truth continues to instruct us.

So, what is truth? Pilate asked that question (John 18:38). I suggest you ask your friends and acquaintances that question and see what kinds of answers they come up with. Our culture has pretty much relegated truth to the scrap heap of history. Truth is widely considered in our culture to be relative (and irrelevant). But Christian, you had better know what truth is. Jesus told us, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32 emphasis mine)

Brother, you are called to be salt and light in a dark, decaying world. What does it mean to be "salt and light?" Salt is one of the oldest known preservatives, used to prevent the decay of foodstuffs. It also enhances the flavor of food. We are to live in such a way that we prevent the decay of our society and add flavor to the lives of those around us.

And what of light? Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) A mathematical axiom is: if A = B and B = C, then A = C. So, if Jesus = Truth, and Jesus = Light, then Light = Truth. Light (truth) is that which eliminates darkness, so as Jesus said, "...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 6:16) Remember Ephesians 6:12? "...we...wrestle...against the rulers of the darkness of this age." Truth is the weapon that will rout the darkness of our age.

Christian, put on the full armor of God, beginning with the belt of Truth. If you are unsure where to find truth, may I refer you to the Holy Scriptures. Read them, hear them, study them, meditate on them, memorize them, teach them. They not only contain truth, they are truth. Jesus said He is the Truth. John said He is the Word. If you want to know Truth, know Jesus, know the Word of God, and He will set you free.