“Biblical Christianity is Truth concerning total reality, not just about religious things.”
~ Francis Schaeffer ~

As we wrap up this mini-series on The Belt of Truth, part of our year-long journey through The Armor of God, it’s time to buckle up to keep all of life together: heart, mind, and life (relationships).

Christianity was never meant to be a divided experience; this is why God hates divorce. It’s not one thing on Sunday and another on Monday. It doesn't separate the spiritual from the factual, or belief from behavior. Christianity isn’t just true for you—it’s the Truth about everything, including who you are, what you do, and the bigger picture of life.

Over the course of my life—first as a child with a parent struggling through mental health challenges, then as a military veteran alongside comrades facing the trauma of combat, and now as a pastor—I’ve spent countless hours walking the halls of mental health facilities. Especially in the last decade, what I’ve witnessed is both sobering and heartbreaking. When truth is fractured, forgotten, or forced into cultural categories, people suffer deeply.

In these settings, we see the consequences of replacing the God who has spoken since the beginning of time with culture, society, and personal opinion. The result? Division, despair, and disorders. It’s no surprise that the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is as thick as the old New York phone book from the 80s—full of symptoms of broken truth. Behind every diagnosis is a real person suffering, often because the truth has been divided, distorted, or dismissed. And honestly, if it weren’t for the grace of God, any of us could be in the same place, and maybe you are, formally or informally. Understand there’s love and help for you.  

That’s why Paul says:

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”
~ Ephesians 6:14a (NIV) ~

This verse isn’t poetic fluff; it’s spiritual strategy. Without the Belt of Truth, the entire armor of life collapses into chaos. Without Truth, life falls apart; it’s called “The Fall” straight from the Bible. 

Let’s recall where we’ve explored and do a quick review of Truth: Subjective Truth – “This is true for me.” Personal stories and testimonies matter, but they must be tested by something greater. Objective Truth – What’s true regardless of feelings or belief. Gravity doesn’t care if you disagree. Neither does God. Normative Truth – What society claims is true, but culture constantly shifts. Truth doesn’t. Jesus taught a higher standard—the Good News of Life. If you’re a Christian, this is the “Norm” of your role as a Child of God. Like knowing the alphabet, get the teachings of Jesus in your mind and heart. Absolute Truth – Truth that never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Applied Truth – Truth is not just meant to be believed; it’s meant to be lived. When lived out, it transforms everything.

And let’s not forget the words of Jesus, the embodiment of Truth itself:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” ~ Matthew 5:17 (ESV)

Jesus didn’t discard the past; He fulfilled it. That’s the power of Total Truth.

To keep the Belt of Truth secure in your life, consider these steps: Check your belt [truth] – where is truth missing, twisted, or ignored? Tell the Truth – speak it, live it. Let your life be guided by integrity. Apply the Truth – pick one truth each week (forgiveness, humility, grace, faithfulness) and live it openly. Reject Split Faith – don’t say one thing and act another. Be like Jesus—whole, integrated, consistent. Someone who loves, helps, and creates good memories, no matter what! 

It’s time to ditch divided faith. It’s time to buckle up. Christianity isn’t a side dish. It’s the main course.
Don’t let the truth of Christ be locked away in church talk or religious tradition. Let it shape how you think, love, lead, vote, give, grieve, and grow.

The world doesn’t need more talk. It needs whole people, wearing the whole armor, living the whole truth. So, strap on the Belt of Truth—not just around your waist, but around your whole life. Truth isn’t optional. Truth is foundational, rooted in principles and values that have stood the test of time. 

And with that, we now move forward to the next piece of God’s armor in our year-long journey: The Shield of Faith – Go on the Offense. Let Truth Cover Your Defense. 

As always… stay strong, stay grounded, and stand firm in Total Truth.

Pastor Drake