How Important Is Truth?

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (Ephesians 6:14, ESV)

Today’s big question: how important is truth?

In the previous devotionals, we have been discussing the various aspects of truth, and how damaging it can be if we do not take a stand on the truth of God’s Word. Scripture tells us to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, ESV). But where does truth fit in while we face this spiritual battle, as Paul describes in Ephesians 6? Is it an afterthought? Well, Paul tells us (in Ephesians 6:14) that truth is the very first thing we should put on.

Some define “truth” in this passage to mean “honesty,” since the “sword of the Spirit” is the Word of God. But as you read through Ephesians, when Paul mentions truth, he is clearly talking about truth of Scripture (e.g., Ephesians 1:13; 4:25; etc.). And after close study, one will realize that the sword refers also to the specific truths found in God’s Word; for example, Jesus used specific truths from Scripture against Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Furthermore, if we rely on our own honesty as a foundational piece instead of God’s truth, then we have lost this spiritual battle.

Each piece of armor is important, but truth is foundational to the rest. Paul often writes things in a logical order. In this case, Paul wrote the foundational piece first (i.e., “the belt of truth”).

Back in Paul’s day, many people often wore long, loose articles of clothing, and the purpose of the “belt” was to fasten all the articles of clothing together. They let the belt loose when sitting or resting. But when they wanted to take action, the first thing they did was to fasten their belt and go on their way. If they did not, they would likely stumble over their clothing. This is the example Paul wanted us to think about when fastening the “belt of truth,” and there are other areas in Scripture that use this example of fastening the belt first before taking action (see Luke 12:35–36; Exodus 12:11; and 1 Kings 18:46).

So, to be ready for action in this world (i.e., able to defend our faith, proclaim the Gospel, etc.), we need to know the truth of God’s Word first and how its message applies to everyone and everything. God’s truth is crucial! A good place to start would be to read through and study the book of Ephesians, in which Paul goes through the entire doctrine of salvation and how it applies to us.

Today’s big idea: we should rely on God’s truth as our foundation for everything.

What to pray: ask God to help you fully understand the truth of His Word.