Think Again!

164 • Think Again: Transformation That Yields a Return on God’s Investment

Because Of:

We Need:

A belt of truth (countering lies and half-truths)

Deceit

A breastplate of righteousness (building right relationships with God and others)

Division and alternative solutions

Surprise and intimidation Shoes of readiness (maintaining vigilance)

Flaming darts of confusion A shield of faith

(having confidence in the middle of trials)

A helmet of salvation (believing in the certainty of our future)

Doubt about our eternal security

A sword of the Spirit guided by prayer (handling chaotic and dynamic situations with wisdom)

Harassment

Truth The belt serves to integrate all the armor together. God is the God of all truth, not just truth from the Bible. Truth helps us recognize lies, and allows us to live a life of integrity, being aligned with the truth in our every aspect of life. Righteousness We need righteousness to protect us. Righteousness is not just personal ethics, but right relationships within a community. The breastplate serves as a shorthand for the many “one-another” commands: humility, gentleness, patience, love, forgiveness, kindness, joy, thanksgiving, mutual submission. The breastplate keeps us from ruining our human relationships and also breaking relationship with God. When tempted by alternative solutions,