I have a fun turquoise belt that I purchased years ago. It still looks new.  I wanted to wear it, I tried to wear it over the years. Yes, tried. As much as I like the belt, I just can’t pull off the look I desire. It ends up back in the closet hanging on a hook. 

In God’s Word we learn about one belt that will never go out of style. It fits all sizes and shapes, and is necessary for everyday wear. Ephesian 6:14 tells us that this belt is the first piece of armor that Christ followers must put on daily. “Stand therefore having fastened on the belt of truth…”  

In a world that is full of people who are quick to share their own opinion, life can become confusing unless one is grounded in truth. What is truth? Even Pilate asked this of Jesus. Roman culture in many ways was not unlike ours today. It was an eclectic mix of high culture, fashion, the arts, and renowned architecture. Spectacular cities were a hub of trade and a mix of people groups. The elite of society felt it was their right to overindulge in any way they so desired. However, within this culture was rampant moral decay, sexual perversion, accepted abuse, and renown murder of select people and or people groups for the entertainment pleasure of the day. People were bought and sold, demoralized, and treated according to the desire of the owner or the governing leaders. In whatever way they desired, people satisfied their political, physical, and sexual desires, convincing themselves and others that all was okay. It sounds all too familiar.  

During Pilot’s discourse with Jesus just prior to his crucifixion, Jesus declared his purpose for coming into this world. John 18:37-38 “Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into this world-to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’ Pilate said to him, ‘What is truth?’”

“What is truth?”  Pilate was questioning the existence of an absolute truth. He, a governing leader, along with many within that cultured society, defined their own truth according to desires of the day. Friends, we have access to “truth” that never changes.

Hebrews 13: 3  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  

1 Samuel 15:29 (NIV)  “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind. “  

Numbers 23:19 “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”

John 8:32 “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Romans 8: 2 “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

 

The belt of truth is not an accessory like my turquoise belt. It is not a belt that one should pick and choose as to whether this is the day to wear it. The belt of truth is a critical piece of protection that Christ followers must put on daily. It is the first item in the armor of God, (Eph 6:10-19) the first item that must be put on. However, in order to wear the belt of truth we need to know truth. This can only be done by spending time in God’s Word. These are not my suggestions or opinions. God’s Word directly states, 2 Tim 2:15 (ESV) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” The KJV actually uses the word “study”, “Study to shew thyself approved…”

We must study in order to know truth, so that we will not be misled by the lies of this world, the lies of the enemy. Pure, unchanging truth is found only within the pages of God’s Word. Do not let the lies of this world persuade you to live in opposition to what God’s Word clearly states as wrong. Study, so that you will know truth and live it.

 

Dear Jesus, Thank you for your Word that never changes. Thank you that I can come to you when in doubt. Thank you that your Word is given to me so that I can know truth and that your truth is always the same, regardless of the year, the culture, or the circumstances. Help me to know truth and recognize deception, so that I can escape the lies of the enemy and the folly of this world. Lord grant me wisdom so that I will not be easily swayed by the popular culture of the world. Help me to be grounded in your Word, which is truth.  In Jesus’ name, amen.