Fast 40: Practicing the Ancient Spiritual Discipline of Lentنموونە

The breastplate covers the heart. In biblical language, the heart is the center of the human soul—it is where our affections, will, and desires reside.

That is why Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We must guard our hearts with righteousness. But what is righteousness?

Righteousness is not merely being a “good person” in a worldly sense. Righteousness is being right with God. That means our desires, affections, and will must align with His. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Are you hungry for righteousness? Do you thirst for it? If not, you may be spiritually starving. Many people today want to be good but not godly. They want to be moral but not righteous. The difference? Morality is defined by culture; righteousness is defined by God.

If we want to stand against the enemy, we must put on righteousness—not just occasionally, not just when it is convenient, but daily. We must clothe ourselves in it like a breastplate, guarding our hearts from sin and compromise.

The enemy will attack your heart. He will tempt your desires. He will try to pervert your affections. But if your heart is covered with righteousness—true righteousness found in Christ—you will stand firm.