Breastplate of Righteousness

Breastplate of righteousness.  Our time in Ephesians has been helpful for me, and I pray for others as well.  The first three pieces of armor described in Ephesians 6 are: the belt truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and shoe of preparation with the Gospel of peace.  One of the things with righteousness that we said was that righteousness was always doing what is right, and God determines what is right, to honor the Lord and what He has done for us in saving us.  Doing wrong brings harm to the Gospel and disappointment to our Savior and Lord.  There are constant temptations to deviate from doing right, compromising in order to gain favor with man, or simply for convenience.  However, righteousness at all times, especially difficult times, signifies a faith in God.  There are many examples, but let’s consider today’s reading.  King Saul and his troops were in a difficult position against the Philistines.  Saul was supposed to wait seven days for Samuel to come.  The seventh day had come and Samuel was not there yet, the soldiers were deserting Saul, and fear of the Philistine enemy was increasing.  So, Saul offered the burnt offering himself, which he was not supposed to do.  If Saul would have just waited, Samuel was almost there.  Samuel tells Saul, “You have been foolish.  You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you” (1 Samuel 13:13).  For this act, the reign of Saul would not endure.  We must obey and do right for God’s glory at all times.  God is faithful!