Belt up!

'... Judge me, O Lord ... according to my ... integrity' Psalm 7:8


If we're going to be judged by our integrity, I guess we should know what it means, right?

The Cambridge Dictionary says it's 'being honest ... having strong moral principles that you refuse to change'. So how do we go about that then?

Paul advises us to 'Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist ...' (Ephesians 6:14 NIV).

He was talking about a leather girdle Roman soldiers wore around their waist to protect their loins (that's the bit above your legs and below your waist), carry weapons, and also hold their tunic together so it wouldn't get snagged and hold them back. Are you starting to see the point?

Just like a belt can hold your trousers up, and stop you tripping up (not to mention flashing your underware!), integrity can help you with not tripping in your spiritual life.

Being honest in everything, starting with the very small things, and sticking to the guidelines the Bible gives you on how to live life, no matter what, will act like spiritual armour.

It'll protect you and mean you're prepared when tough stuff comes your way, and you'll find it easier to survive the bigger things. A belt may seem small or uninteresting - like the foundations of a house which are unseen, but without them, it'll crumble.

Integrity is vital for you to have a good life reflecting Jesus. So what are you waiting for - belt up!