Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:14-15. NKJV
A couple of years ago, I bought two pair of Skecher slip in shoes. The store I purchased them in had a sale going, buy one and get the second one half off. It was a great deal. I decided to get two different styles. One pair was pink with a lace up front, the other blue with just the slip in elastic. I love them. I love the slip in, no hands or bending technology for my aging body. However, after about a year, I realized they are not the same. When I wear the pink pair, my feet feel great, even after moving around most of the day. The blue pair have to come off after a morning at church. For some reason, they don’t support my feet the same way. Apparently, each pair of shoes were constructed differently, even though both were “slip in”. When I get dressed, I have to “pre-think” wearing the blue pair, because my hurting feet!
Part of the armor Roman soldiers wore, were specific shoes. There were two types: caliga-more sandal like, and calceus–which was more boot like. They both consisted of a thick leather sole, with lighter thinner leather on top. The calceus, or boot type, covered the foot and ankle for more protection. Both types of foot coverings usually included metal hobnails on the bottom, to help keep their footing. Paul’s analogy on our need for armor included the importance of making sure we had our own specific feet coverings.
We can’t just simply throw on these shoes, like flip flops, and run out the door. There is a reason he said, “having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” We need to prepare these shoes. To begin with, need to understand that we have received peace between ourselves and God, by faith. Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Romans 5:1 NLT. Why would that matter? Because if we have peace with God, then there is no need to fear what is before us. There is something that shifts in our soul when we have His peace. It is a confidence builder for sure, just like wearing the breastplate of righteousness.
When we comprehend His love, His grace and His mercy, we do not need to fear our enemies. When soldiers put on their shoes to fight, they do so to fight against the enemies of the nation. We put on our shoes to fight against the wiles of the evil one. We also wear them to spread the good news of the gospel. It really is our main purpose.
It seems many believers do not know what the preparation of the gospel of peace means. They are unaware how their words, actions or lack there of, can affect the spreading of the gospel. It is God’s intention that every believer spreads the good news. Part of our preparation is understanding how to rightly divide the word of truth, according to 2 Timothy 2:15. They haven’t taken the time to “study to show themselves approved unto Him.”
Oh my friends, it is God’s heart that every believer is equipped to share the gospel. Satan wants to keep God’s people intimidated, so they don’t open their mouths and talk about Him. He wants to keep us distracted from learning and fellowshipping with Him. As a result, we don’t have any God stories to share. We lose our footing when he assaults us with lies, guilt, and shame.
My friends, we are called to share the good news. As I pondered that thought, I began to wonder, “do we comprehend the fact that it really is good news?” Taking the time to remember the work of His salvation in my life gives me perspective. It reminds me just how good He is. I am sure embedding every little hobnail in the Roman soldiers’ shoes took time. But it was worth it. Spending time in prayer, worship and the scripture helps us prepare to share the gospel, also takes time. But eternity is at stake!
How we treat people is often a reflection of how we are feeling inside. When we walk in His peace, we can share His peace with others. If someone jumps in front of you in the grocery line, you can simply smile. You can wait patiently because of the peace of God that rules and reigns in your heart. It might even lead to a conversation with them or others. I’ve had it happen to me! I even asked them if I could pray for them, because they seemed harried. They said, yes!
My friends, don’t forget to take the time to prepare your feet with the gospel. Ask the Lord to show you how. Spend time with Him. Check your peace level. If it is low, you need to refresh your understanding of the work He did on the cross for you.
It seems shoes are a major part of both women and men’s attire in some culture streams. Having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace goes with everything. This will never go out of style.
Father, I thank you for your grace today. I thank you for the gift of the gospel. You want us to be prepared to share it with others. Please teach us more about how you want us to do it! Forgive us for walking through life unprepared to share your good news. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 