THE VICTOR’S MENTALITY 27 (The work of righteousness)

My beloved readers, I welcome you to today’s article. It’s my sincere prayer that the Lord will speak to you as you read, in Jesus’ name. Today, we’ll conclude our teaching on the breastplate of righteousness.

The breastplate of righteousness tells us that the Christian life is a guarded life. When you’re not wearing it, your guard is loose, and the enemy has a free day in your life to accuse, condemn, or deceive you. But that’s not you, in Jesus’ name. 
I’ve shared how to continuously put on this breastplate of righteousness: Keep Christ in view as the reason for your acceptance before God and the source of your daily living, and carry this perspective into your society. Be determined and resolute in your heart to keep your gaze on Christ, refusing to see yourself apart from Him. Even when you sin or err, instead of continuing on that fleshy path or resorting to self-effort, refocus your gaze on Christ.

Today, I want to share a closing charge on this aspect of the victor’s mentality—the breastplate of righteousness. I call it the work of righteousness. This is what you can expect to experience when you put on this breastplate.

“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” (Isaiah 32:17 NKJV)

To understand this scripture, we must interpret it in the light of the gospel of grace. The work of righteousness is the work Christ did on the cross of Calvary. He is the righteous one; we were the sinners. He did the work of righteousness, and because He took our place, we now enjoy the dividends of His work. That dividend is peace.

Remember Isaiah 53:5, which says the chastisement for our peace was upon Him. Our hearts are guarded because Christ bore the punishment that should have been ours, securing peace with God for us. Even when you’re confused or perplexed, you can have this relaxation in your heart, knowing God always has you. He is always with you. It’s a security for the heart. The circumstances of life and the workload of the day can toy with your emotions and stress you out. But you’ll recover quickly when it hasn’t affected your heart. Once you remember that God’s got you, your heart finds a security that makes you leap with joy.

Beloved, I don’t know what you’ve lost already. I feel like I’m speaking to someone who thinks they’ve lost a lot and may not recover. Let me tell you: because of the work of righteousness Christ did, you haven’t lost peace with God. It’s still intact, and it’s the most important thing you can have.
So get up, rejoice that you have a peace the circumstances of life cannot take away. It’s deep and secure in Christ.

Another thing this scripture mentions is that the effect of righteousness is quietness. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NKJV)

Peace with God (our legal standing) produces the peace of God (our daily experience). This is the quietness the Bible speaks of—an ongoing, inward calm, serenity, and divine rest that flows from being reconciled to Him. It’s the tranquility of trusting Him even in trouble—something the world cannot give. Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJV)

Jesus says here that He leaves a peace that keeps our hearts from being troubled. That’s why you can’t afford to be legalistic or see righteousness as something to attain rather than a gift received. Perhaps that’s why you find it hard to trust God and see Him as your source.

Beloved, let righteousness do its perfect work. Let it secure your heart with peace, so we can go into every day knowing God’s got us. We can trust Him all the way.

Beloved, prayerfully meditate on these things.

Written by Peter Ayoola Fakeye (PAF)

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