Chest Trauma

Having worked in a hospital for several years, I have had the privilege and responsibility of helping patients recover from various traumas. One of the most painful recoveries is for those who sustained chest trauma in auto or industrial accidents. People who experience this will confirm that the pain is excruciating. One patient said she thought even changing her mind was painful. But, the survivors of this type of trauma who face these painful recoveries are fortunate to even have the opportunity to rehabilitate. Only about 20% of those who suffer from chest trauma survive; it is estimated that over 16,000 people die from it yearly. There are two primary types of injuries to this area of our bodies, and they are defined as blunt trauma or penetrating trauma. Blunt trauma is caused by impact or falls, and penetrating trauma is where something enters the chest and causes an increased risk of injury to vital organs like the heart, lungs, and liver. These injuries were partially responsible for the pursuit of the invention of the airbag in automobiles.

Long before mankind had the privilege of getting behind the wheel, there was a community of people who were already working and designing things to help others be prepared for chest trauma. The grassroots of protecting this vital area were founded by the Greek military. As far back as 3000 years ago, breastplates were the most crucial pieces of armor. Though swords and spears were offensive weapons, breastplates are considered the most essential piece of defensive armor a soldier could wear. The simple reason is it helped protect the vital organs and increased the chances that, despite perhaps being maimed, a soldier could survive a mortal wound.

Today, as I continue to be overwhelmed with the depth of God’s word, I more clearly understand the order of Paul’s writing concerning putting on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth is essentially primary to us because everything we believe, act on, and pursue needs to be grounded in God’s Word. It makes sense that the breastplate of righteousness would come next. Without having our hearts redeemed and renewed by the righteousness that Christ offers, we make our way in the world, vulnerable to physical, moral, and spiritual death. Bearing the breastplate of righteousness ensures that we have agreed that our spiritual heart status needs intervention by God, the preeminent cardiologist who transplants His heart into our chest, giving us an only chance to live the eternal life He planned for us. The breastplate also serves to protect us and remind us defensively from believing that we can be successful in the battles in life based on our own pitiful good works. Pride and ego are not reliable defensive weapons, are poorly manufactured, and will not pass muster in any real battle.

However, the breastplate of righteousness will protect me in a battle no matter the origin of spiritual chest trauma I encounter. Remember that the first type of chest trauma is blunt force. I liken this to the forces of the world around me that I experience. Things like heartbreak, tragedy, ever-changing circumstances, disappointments, broken relationships, and cruel forces like rejection, betrayal, and judgment. There is blunt force injury from experiences like moral and spiritual falls. The higher place we position ourselves (pride), the more damage it causes to our vitality. Then there are those more dangerous forces of trauma, like strongholds of sin and the enemy’s deceit that can penetrate my heart, cut swiftly and deeply and take my very breath away. Without the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, some battles would not be survivable. Without trusting in His finished work at the cross, it will not matter if I experience a fatal wound but when.

Paul’s instruction in this primary preparation for battle is God’s way of informing us that we will face battle but that victory is achievable when we are solely dependent on Christ and His provisions. The power of the righteousness of Christ revealed fully through His sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection is the very source from which the breastplate I have been given is forged. It has already been demonstrated that it will protect from the most fatal wound, death itself.

Lord, help me stay dressed for battle in life. Thank you that I am clothed in your breastplate of righteousness and that my heart and the very vitality of my soul are fully protected. For today, and always.

Come again next time when the 5 o’clock worker straps up her sandals when the study Of Ephesians continues in the series “The Wardrobe.”