2591) God has given me a lively imagination. When I read something, my mind automatically pictures it. Many times, this is an asset in my work.

When I read about the full armor of God in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, I picture each piece in my meditations.

One of these pictures surprised me this morning. Verse 8 tells me about the breastplate; you know, the piece of heavy metal that covers your chest, protecting your vital organs.

What’s interesting to me is what Paul tells us about what this breastplate comprises. It’s not described in terms that relate to solid and heavy qualities I would picture on this piece of armor.

Paul tells us that faith and love create the great and mighty protection of our chests, our vital spiritual area. These two ingredients are the most spiritually powerful in this life.

We must have faith as our foundation for why we live the way we do and, the greatest of these, love, can drive out all darkness. God’s children, whom he protects with his breastplate, possess the most powerful protection: faith and love.