“…and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15, ESV)
It’s interesting that an important part of gearing up for battle is to pay attention to your feet. Roman soldiers had their feet fitted with intricate shoes that were built for stability and long marches. What good is the best armor in the world if your feet can’t take you into the action? We are learning here that fitted feet are an essential part of being armed for battle.
What’s your shoe collection like? I’ve got basketball shoes, running shoes, golf shoes, flip-flops, dress shoes, extra dressy shoes, casual shoes and safety boots that I can think of just off the top of my head. Depending on what I have planned for the day, it’s important I show up with the right kind of footwear. It’s important to show up ready. My golf shoes don’t do me a lot of good on the court, and my flip-flops don’t exactly pass for PPE out on location.
Paul tells us that the Gospel of Peace is what makes us ready – what takes us into action with stability and the potential for longevity. These verses from Philippians help us understand a little bit more:
“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV)
There is a peace God gives us that allows us to stand sure-footed in the face of adversity. It is deeper than understanding which is helpful when we’re fighting things we can’t even see. This peace comes from prayer and making our requests known to God. It comes from believing in the truth we talked about before and living rightly before God.
The peace of God is our readiness that moves us into action with stability and longevity.
Questions for Reflection:
When was a time you showed up to something not ready?
How can you show up to a spiritual battle not ready?
Why are stability and longevity important?
How would you describe your current level of peace with God?
What are you taking away from the verses in today’s reading?