What is girded your waist with truth means?

This is part of a passage relating to the Christian standing against the clever tricks of the devil. Along with the other parts of the Christian's armor, truth is necessary and vital to 'draw things together' just as a girdle was used in ancient times to draw the clothing of the soldier in tightly, so that the soldier might have the freedom to use offensive and defensive equipment without anything getting in the way.

Truth, along with the other parts of the Christian's armor is a non-negotiable item, since not to have the truth will greatly hinder the Christian, just as loose clothing would hinder the soldier. There are numerous examples of this, both in theory and in actual history. Suffice it to say, to follow the soldierly analogy, that a soldier who is hindered in using weapons effectively, may fall in battle, as the enemy can then strike a fatal blow, while the tangle of clothing is dealt with.

This can also include holding the truth only as mere intellectual assent, without actually following it, which is what some call 'practical Atheism'. Such people are easy prey for attack, since truth not lived is not worth having and can easily be replaced by non-truth which may seem more attractive. Jesus also said 'where your treasure is there will your heart be also.' In other Words, what people follow is really what is important to them, and so truth not followed really is not important to the person concerned. Churches today are full of people who don't follow the truth, although they are probably very orthodox and correct in their doctrine.

Many people who call themselves Christians also regard truth as unimportant and are effectively 'theological relativists', since they say 'all roads lead to God', or other similarly expresses philosophies. However, Jesus Christ said:

John 14:6 (King James Version)6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Ephesians 6:11-18 (King James Version)11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sWord of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:

18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;