Armed for Battle: Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

The Fly Lady is a wonderful woman who has dedicated her life to helping people who have messy tendencies to get their homes under control. I discovered her a few years ago and immediately implemented her tips and tricks. One trick in particular that the Fly Lady espouses the most is putting on lace up shoes even if you're not leaving the house. Her belief is that if you get up and get completely dressed down to your shoes you will be more motivated and inspired to clean or de-clutter. With shoes tied onto your feet, you're less likely to lay in bed all day doing nothing.

So how does this relate to the shoes of peace? Well, when we put on the shoes of peace, we are prepared at all times to share the gospel with whomever God places in our path.  In Matthew 28: 18-20, Jesus said,  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  We know this as the Great Commission.  It is God's expectation that we, as his children, will go forth and spread the gospel.  We can't do that if our shoes aren't on.  

Being prepared to share the good news about Christ's redemptive work on the cross means that we are already wearing the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness.  Telling others about Jesus obviously means that you are firmly anchored on the truth of who Jesus is and what he has done for you.  It also means that you are pursuing righteousness and committed to living for Christ.  How can we share the gospel if we don't truly believe or if we aren't living  the way God expects us to?  

"We must make our standing secure and we do that by rooting ourselves in the gospel of peace."

So how does the gospel of peace help me to stand?  And how does that help me to resist the devil?  Good question!  No soldier goes into battle without their shoes.  Shoes offer protection against harsh terrain and possible debris.  According to vroma.org, the shoes worn by Roman soldiers had metal "hobnails" on the sole for traction.  It was imperative for the soldier to have a firm footing in the heat of battle, and so it is with us also.  We must make our standing secure, and we do that by rooting ourselves in the gospel of peace.  In the heat of the battle, we are standing secure in the knowledge that we have been saved by grace through faith and that we are now well-cared for children.  This is our source of peace as the battle rages on.  

The gospel is not only for the non-believer.  It is nourishment to the soul of the believer.  It reminds us and encourages us and transforms us.  It grants us peace in the storm, knowing that we serve a God so deeply in love with us that he was willing to give his only Son as a ransom for our sins.  No matter what storms rage and what attacks the enemy employs, knowing that we have been saved by the blood of Jesus should be the foundation on which we stand and the power to keep standing.