Therefore, stand, having girded up your loins in truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).
The breastplate of righteousness relates to the righteousness that we have in Christ (Ephesians 6:14). In Christ, we have been given the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17); therefore, we are no longer in a state of condemnation (Romans 8:1). Satan attempts to persuade us to act independently from God, even when we know His will for our lives and conduct (James 4:13–17). Since we have been freed from the rule of the sin nature through our immersion into Christ’s death and resurrection, we are now slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18). However, this righteousness is not a manifestation of our own good nature, but of Christ in us, for He is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is not achieved through our own efforts. Because we are righteous in Christ, we are to act in a righteous manner.
In addition to defending us against independence from God, the breastplate of righteousness also deflects the desire to be prideful (1 Timothy 3:6). There are times when we do everything right, and the results are spectacular. However, after examining our own works, we may rejoice within ourselves, but not before others (Galatians 6:4). We must be cautious with knowledge, for it can puff a person up (1 Corinthians 8:1). As we mature in Christ, we should care enough for one another not to allow our knowledge to negatively affect the conduct of other saints. God has prepared good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10); they are not accomplished by our own strength. When Satan seeks to influence us to go against God’s will or to become puffed up because of our skill and knowledge, the breastplate of righteousness quenches these methods of attack.