A previous post looked at how the armor of God listed in Ephesians 6 becomes a protection and safeguard for church finances. Here we’re zeroing in on the belt of truth.
Importance of the Belt of Truth to Financial Protection
Truth sets us free (Jn. 8:32) from worry and despair. Truth enables us to rise above and align with all that’s good and right (Jn. 17:17; Titus 1:1) in the way we handle church finances.
Notice that the first piece of armor listed in Ephesians 6 is “the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph. 6:14). Truth holds everything in place. Once we start compromising, we’re in trouble. Think about the critical nature of truth to the other pieces of armor.
Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness needs a standard of truth. God’s character, as described in His Word, defines what’s right and true. If we handle finances with worldly standards, rather than align with God’s, we may find ourselves doing what’s most convenient or comfortable. We may have everybody doing what’s right in their own eyes.
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace
God’s message of salvation, the Good News of the Gospel, must be based on Truth to be a reliable means of deliverance. If we want financial peace, we need the purpose and perspective that comes through being on mission with God and His Gospel.
Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
The object of our faith needs to be strong enough to withstand all the flaming arrows coming our way and be reliable to stay in place. If we want to ward off financial temptations and discouragement, we need to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The lies of the enemy can’t stand up to the truth of a God who is greater (1 Jn. 4:4).
Helmet of Salvation
Salvation guards our minds and brings hope. We don’t have to despair when we believe we’ll see the goodness of the Lord (Ps. 27:13). We have a hope founded on truth that gives us confidence to keep looking to God and waiting on Him.
Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
God’s Word thoroughly equips us (2 Tim. 3:16-17) because the God who authored it promised, “my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isa. 55:11). This is a God of truth, fully capable of doing what He says. It only makes sense to use His Word to cut through the lies of Satan about our situation.
A Caveat to Wearing the Belt of Truth
Being girded with truth doesn’t mean we won’t ever have financial problems. As long as we’re in this world, we will have troubles according to Jesus (Jn. 16:33). With the belt of truth buckled around us, we can stand firm (Eph. 6:14) and not be shaken. Held together by Truth, as it is found in Him, with the full armor of God on, we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11). Finances don’t have to distract or detour us from God’s purposes, design, and mission for the Church.
For more on these topics:
All Posts about Budgeting and Finances:
- Budget Fit Your Church Purpose?
- Budget Process of Body Life?
- Budget Fostering Body Life?
- Budget Reflect the Great Commission?
- Church Finances & Christlikeness
- Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do
- Encourage Integrity in Giving
- Managing Finances with Integrity
- Finances & The Way the Church Functions
- Gospel Affects Even Our Finances
- Grace Affects Giving
- Financial Consultants & the Church
- Financial Management in the Church
- Church Finances & the Spiritual Gift of Giving
- Prayer an Integral Part of Church Finances?
- Perspective When Praying about Finances
- Priorities When Praying about Finances
- God’s Word Helps with Church Finances
- Generosity Affected by the Name of the Lord
- Help for Working on Church Budgets
- Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power
- Impact of Leaders’ Example on Church Finances
- The Impact of a Leaders’ Attitude Toward Money
- Protection & Safeguards for Church Finances
- Financial Protection Begins with the Belt of Truth
- Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances