Practical Shoes

 

Image source: biblecartoon.com

    Shoes are often treated as an accessory to the outfit, aren't they?  I am as guilty as anyone of being being tempted to collect a wide variety of shoes! However, as I get older, the effects of standing for 12-14 hours a day wearing "cute" shoes that didn't really support my body well are catching up with me!  These days I am forced to find shoes that provide better support, and hope that I can find some that have a little bit of "cuteness" factor to them as well! 😂

    

"...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."  Ephesians 6:15 NIV

    As we are placing on the pieces of our armor that will protect and identify us as warriors in the army of the One True God, we come to a very essential piece of armor:  the shoes!  Shoes provide a foundation for the whole body, as well as protection for the feet.  Can you picture a heavily armed and protected soldier who is barefoot?  No!  The feet are vital to being able to stand and move in the battle. Further, soldiers in the first century often wore shoes with hobnails in the bottom to ensure secure footing.  Like our modern day cleats, they bit into the ground to prevent slipping or falling. These sturdy shoes also protected from sharp objects on the path that might cut or injure the soldier. 

    Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that our feet need to fitted with the readiness (some translations say "preparation") that comes from the gospel of peace.  We have a responsibility to be prepared or ready by placing on our armor, specifically the shoes, which provide our secure foundation.  How do we do this?  Being prepared means we must equip ourselves.  I Peter 3:15 tells us we need to be ready to give a defense to anyone of the hope that lies within us.  Paul adds in that same passage that this is how we honor Christ in our hearts!  So, this tells me that I need to be studying the Bible.  Not just reading. Studying.  I must be ready (prepared) to defend my faith to anyone that questions.  Am I armed with the very words of Scripture to answer the attacks sent my way?  This takes time, effort and must be a priority or it will not happen.  

    We know that gospel means "good news."  The interesting thing is this good news is of peace in a passage where we are being told how to prepare for battle with the enemy!  

    

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV

    Jesus came to establish peace! His kingdom is a kingdom of peace.  He has already won the battle, so we can walk with assurance of victory wearing those shoes of the good news of peace.  This foundation of peace provides us with hope and courage! 

    Good news is meant to be shared!  Feet are essential to mobility.  It makes sense that the shoes in our armor are linked to the gospel.  With our feet properly prepared and protected, we can move about and share this good news of peace to a world that is mired in conflict, anger and despair.  Peace is desperately sought after, and we can bring the source of peace to hurting and war-torn world.  

    As we pull all of these elements together we see that we we must be prepared to share the good news of the peace of Jesus.  This is the solid foundation for our armor and enables us to walk confidently without fear of slipping or being cut by the dangers of the path in front of us.  That is good news for us and for those who hear our message!

    I am personally loving this look at the individual pieces of the Armor of God.  I pray you are finding some small encouragement and light for your walk as well.  Most importantly, I pray it drives you to the Word of God, where you will find truth and peace in the person of Jesus.  

💓Heather Sparks💓