Ephesians 6:14a
Fluttering all over the place, pulling down as you lift your arm, ending up under your feet. A loose cloak may be more in the way than it is worth when you need to move freely. It is like an entangled web of lies that feels inhibiting. Every move you make is either smooth or has resistance.
Imagine that every movement you make feels strained. You are caught up in an entangled web of your own garments. We use the expression “a web of lies” for this very same reason. Lies can entangle you, slow you down, having you fight in areas that you were supposed to move in with ease. You are encumbered under the weight of lies, unable to distinguish between the drag of your own garments and the onslaught of the enemy. Every decision you make, every prayer, weighed down by uncertainty. Leaving you tired.
These garments need to be restricted, tied down, and set into place. This is the truth: the belt ties the garments into place. This opens up freedom of movement. Contrary to initial thought, strapping on a restricting tool does not restrict your movement — it rather restricts the resistance of your garments. Now you can move freely. Now, every time you do feel resistance, you can resist with certainty, knowing it is a direct action from an outside source and not your own person. Where can we find a belt? How can we strap on this part of the armor?
Jesus Christ is the truth (John 14:6). He is the unveiled reality, and we should fix our gaze on Him. When the hordes of enemies grasp their spears and pull back on their bows, look at Christ. The reality of who He is will nullify the fear. It does not remove the real danger, but it diverts your attention to the truth and reality of who He is. Even if you feel the weight of an enemy attack. Even if you suffer. Even if you get injured. Even if you die — Christ is Lord. We see this with Stephen, as he looked up and beheld the Lord (Acts 7:55–56). When we look at Christ, realising that He is the truth, the reality of our surroundings is superseded by Him. It most likely still hurt when they threw stones at him, but the greater reality of truth led him to even pray for them as they murdered him.
Paul explains that we should start with the belt of truth. This foundational piece is the one we have to start with — binding our garments into place. Earlier in the same letter, Paul points us to where truth is found: in the Person of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:21). We are directed to put away the old self, no longer bound by the motivations of this world and of the flesh. In Matthew 13:22, the cares of this world choke the seed so it bears no fruit. In the same way, if our hearts long after this world, it will strangle and entangle us into being unfruitful. As the counter, abide in Christ in order to bear fruit — in John 15:7–12, Jesus tells the disciples to remain in Him, so that our fruit brings glory to God. He is the truth; do not let this world strangle you.
Imagine a soldier getting up after a long rest, washing well in an awed silence of reflection, putting on new clothes. Thinking of the day ahead, he straps on the belt to keep the garments in place. This way, the tasks of the day will not be inhibited by the cares of being entangled. We should also not be restricted by the cares of this world — our battle is far beyond them. We have to hold the holy ground that was tasked to us, to hold for the King of kings. For however long our shift is, hold this specific piece of territory. Stand firm and hold. Be faithful and stand.
Glorify God.