By Pastor Drake Hunter | Commentary, Elevating Life Church
Reflecting on the lives of remarkable figures—Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, etc.—we discover a golden thread that weaves through each of their stories: character.
If asked how to live a good, just, and meaningful life, each would likely point not to power, fame, wealth, or status but to the inner life—the heart. Real character, a character that can meet the demands of a harsh reality, they’d say, isn’t a PR stunt; it’s forged in private, rooted in virtue, and revealed in action.
It’s one thing to know what’s right…it’s another to live it. That’s the difference between fantasy and fact.
In this mini-series, we’ve suited up with the Breastplate of Righteousness, anchoring ourselves not in self-righteousness but Christ-like character. When life throws fiery darts—and it will—it’s not your charm or charisma that shields your heart; it’s the armor God provides.
Here’s what’s downright cool—the Bible doesn’t leave this armor up to imagination. Isaiah 59:17 paints God Himself wearing righteousness like a breastplate.
This way of living isn’t spiritual cosplay or a costume to play around with—it’s God’s defense gear stepping into the chaos, armed with justice and love.
Then Paul, in Ephesians 6, calls us to do the same and wear it, Christian. So let’s take a walk back through the series with biblical figures to recap where we’ve been:
King David – (1 Samuel 16:7–13; Psalm 23). David wasn’t picked for his looks or resume. He was chosen for his heart. Righteousness isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being faithful. David’s life reminds us that God values a heart that repents, worships, and trusts—even when it stumbles. His breastplate wasn’t polished perfection; it was raw, real alignment with God, what character is.
King Solomon – (1 Kings 3:1–15). Solomon had a wish list and chose wisdom over wealth or power. That’s righteousness in action—choosing what’s right, not just what’s rewarding. Righteousness discerns good from evil and keeps the heart anchored in God’s truth, which is what wisdom is.
Ruth – (Ruth 1–4). Talk about virtue! Ruth chose loyalty over luxury, purity over popularity. Her integrity was her armor. Virtue isn’t passive; it’s practiced. She reminds us that righteousness is forged in the everyday choices that seem small but echo into eternity, which is virtue’s promise.
The Two Roads (Psalm 1; Matthew 7:24–27). The Psalmist shows us two paths—the way of wisdom and the way of wickedness. Jesus echoes this with His tale of the wise and foolish builders. Righteousness keeps your footing firm on the narrow road, where you can truly be “salt and light” in a world that’s lost its flavor and footing. These pathways show us what choices we have.
Daniel – (Daniel 6). Daniel wore the breastplate of righteousness like a true leader and champion. In a lion’s den (literally), his righteousness didn’t roar—it stood still and trusted. He didn’t flinch, didn’t fold, didn’t fear. That’s protection in motion. That’s righteousness on display when the world is watching—and when it’s not. Protection shows what is needed to transform and grow openly.
Joseph – (Genesis 37–50). If you want to see what character looks like when it moves from potential to proof, fantasy to factual, look at Joseph. Betrayed, but not bitter. Tested, but not tarnished. Elevated, but never egotistical. Tempted, but remained true. Powerful, but chose to forgive.
Joseph didn’t just wear the armor—he lived it. And in doing so, he became a beacon of hope for us all. His life proves that it is possible for human beings, made in the image of God, to reflect divine character and influence the world with integrity. Joseph shows us the path from dreamer to deliverer in a fallen, broken, dim reality.
Of course, above all these is Jesus—the perfect embodiment of righteousness. But for those of us navigating the grit and grind of daily life, Joseph gives us a relatable roadmap for living it out, keeping our eyes on the Prize, which, again, is continually becoming more like Jesus.
So here’s the final charge for this series to move on to The Belt of Truth. Guard your heart. Wear your breastplate, and live your character through the teachings of the Grace and truth of Jesus, clearly taught in the Gospels.
Why? Because the breastplate of righteousness is not a piece of costume—it’s defensive combat gear.
And when you wear it well, you don’t just survive this life—you lead it well, where we align with remarkable figures now and always, where we “get to” thrive no matter what, moving the ball of truth forward to be a witness of what it means to be a true child of God.
Stay salty. Shine bright. Suit up!
Pastor Drake
To enjoy more of Drake’s content and conversations, CLICK HERE to connect with his podcast, “Just Sayin’ with Pastor Drake.”
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