(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Look at verse 14a - Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth...
The leather belt was worn at all times to protect the soldier's groin area. It was generally tied around a wool tunic with connected bronze plates hanging from the belt.
I personally find it quite interesting that Paul begins the armor description with this particular piece of armor. I realize that the spiritual emphasis is upon TRUTH, but why would the protection of the genitals be the place to emphasize the girding of TRUTH?
I am thoroughly convinced that men through the centuries have missed the major message of TRUTH, which is to be holy as God is holy. This may sound a bit crass to many, but from early age boys have a natural interest in the opposite sex and to God, keeping oneself pure in that area is one of the most difficult things a man can do.
I am going to say some X rated things here for men and boys, so if you are easily embarrassed, you may wish to stop reading now.
Boys have been generally led to believe, even by Christian authors that masturbation is common and acceptable, but the TRUTH is that it is an expression of an undisciplined mind and body that is not, as Paul wrote, "presented to God, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service..." The act develops into a habit and the habit into a pattern of life which CAN, if not controlled lead one into pornography, ungodly fantasy, pre-marital sex, sexual deviation, and adultery.
Having our LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH in a very real and practical sense means that the TRUTH of GOD is controlling that part of our body and not us. I know this is a delicate subject, and rarely death with, but it is critical for us to understand that our BODY (including genitals) are TEMPLES of God and should be clean and pure for true worship.
When this is the case and the TRUTH is our belt of protection, we can and will honor God either in NO sexual activity at all (Eunuchs) or as true only to a wife within a God honored marital relationship.
I realize this is foreign in today's society, but it is TRUTH! Paul said it is better to marry than to burn. Today burning is acceptable and considered normal and natural and out of wedlock sex and pregnancies are considered no more serious than the common cold.
We have failed to stand because we have not first put of the BELT OF TRUTH!
BLESSINGS!
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