Can you take a shot to the heart?

I happened to flip the channel the other day to the old Clint Eastwood movie "A Fistful of Dollars". At the end of the movie during the climactic shootout Clint's character is shot several times in the chest. He keeps getting up and finally kills the bad guys. But, he first revealed to his would be killers that under his sarape was a metal breastplate he had constructed, thus saving his life.  

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:14-15

At the heart of the spiritual armor that God has provided in Christ is the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our righteousness and in that truth we can enjoy peace with God. I Corinthians 1:30 reminds us, "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is , our righteousness, holiness and redemption." In Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars the villain was frustrated and in shock that although he hit Eastwood's character directly in the heart he couldn't kill him.  

In a similar way the enemy will try to kill our faith, aiming directly for the heart of our faith. Condemnation, like a well aimed bullet can kill our peace with God. Condemnation is of the devil because it does not allow you a way out, a way back to God, a way back in your relationships with others. Sin, condemnation will always seek to separate you from God and the people close to you, especially those you need for support, like your spouse. But the good news in Christ is that our righteousness is not built upon nor dependant upon our righteousness but upon Christ's righteousness! That is the breastplate of righteousness that protects us. That knowledge, that gospel, that truth "readies" you to stand in your faith.

Here's the to do's: Put on the breastplate of righteousness which means remember and rely on the truth that Christ is your righteousness! Thank God that he has provided that way in Christ to be a peace with him and others. When the enemy seeks to condemn you, remember and claim the truth in I Corinthians 1:30. Christ is your holiness, righteousness and redemption!

Father, thank you for the truth that Jesus is our righteousness! Help us to put on that faith and stand in our peace with you in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!