No one appreciates being on the receiving end of a lie. Some seem to be compulsive or pathological liars, and far too many fall victim to their falsehoods. Bitter resentment —even rage is the experience of those who ultimately realize they fell for a lie. It happens in business, in politics, in churches, in families and between friends.
Glittering gold and a sparkling stone – yes, a fancy ring for an incredibly good price. But is it real? Is it genuine? Peddlers appear in town offering gold rings at a price too good to refuse. The rings are stamped 18-carat gold and look and feel so real. The authorities, representing the truth, seize the rings, and testing reveals that they are 80% copper and 13% zinc, with small amounts of lead, tin, and iron.
When Jesus came to earth, He said:
“I am the way, the TRUTH and the life.” John 14:6
Jesus was the embodiment of truth and exposed all that was not true wherever He went. The fakes became apparent in the presence of Truth. The facades, camouflages, shells, shams and masks were exposed in His presence. He saw through those who outwardly looked good. He saw into the inner chambers and dark corners of their hearts. (John 2:24) Those who professed to be good and true felt exposed, uncomfortable and uneasy in His presence.
Are you real? Am I real? If tested, would we be found genuine and sincere—people of integrity? Or are there hidden parts of our lives, things we conceal from others?
One of the greatest challenges and most severe tests believers face in life is the relentless, ongoing war spearheaded by Satan. Although we contend with the temptations of the world (1 John 2:15) and the struggles of our own sinful flesh (Galatians 5:17), Satan—the mastermind of rebellion—leads an all-out war against God, His people, and everything good. Behind the scenes, he commands a dark network of forces working against us.
If we were left to our own strengths and strategies, we would stand no chance against these attacks. We would quickly be defeated. Thankfully, Ephesians 6 reveals how we can withstand the enemy’s schemes, assaults and outright attacks. No Christian needs to be defeated. Full provision has been made to survive the onslaught of such dark attacks.
Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages us:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of HIS might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance… Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
Among the pieces of armour, the belt of truth plays a crucial role. In ancient times, a soldier’s belt secured his gear, preventing anything from dangling loose and tripping him in battle. Similarly, the truth of God’s Word keeps us grounded and protected in spiritual warfare. But there’s another essential dimension: our own truthfulness.
Have you ever thought of the belt of truth being just plain old truthfulness in your being and character? The belt was tightened around the middle. At your center —at your core, are you sincere and true? Am I transparent with nothing to hide? Are there two sides to your life? Am I a person of integrity – true to the core? Are you genuine and authentic? Or have you had to tell lies or act out lies to cover up something in your life?
As Christians, we could pray eloquently and preach articulately. We could recite Bible verses endlessly and distribute Gospel tracts tirelessly. But if we live a double life or lack honesty, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Without truthfulness, our defences crumble, and it’s only a matter of time before the Christian falls.
King David, when repenting of his great sin, understood that God desires and delights only in truth within us.
Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Psalms 51:6 ESV
Without the belt of truth firmly fastened, the Christian soldier will stumble. Sooner or later, the weight of a double life will cause a fall. The soldier will trip and fall on the straggling and dangling lies.
May we strive for transparency, honesty and integrity in our lives and constantly judge and instantly confess our thoughts of being anything less than honest. Nip it in the bud the moment the thought of deceiving or misleading someone enters our minds.
Our greatest protection is a two-pronged approach to daily living: 1) walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 5:5-6) and, 2) in the words of Hebrews Chapter 12, daily fix our gaze on Christ.
Don’t hesitate to share a thought from your personal experience or a verse that has been a blessing to you – in the comment section below. Or, if you would like to reach out privately, click below.
