“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:14,15).

The third piece of armor Paul outlines in his letter to the church at Ephesus is shoes. Really, shoes!  What does Paul have in mind here, or better yet, what is the Spirit’s intent in communicating the importance of shoes in one’s spiritual armor? I’m sure it’s not the newest Nike, Vans, Reebok, or Adidas that he has in mind. We, for the most part, in everyday use, buy shoes that look good. For anyone who has played sports, you know that wearing the correct shoes is really the first consideration in playing to your highest potential. But for a soldier, especially a foot soldier, good shoes are of primary importance. It can mean the difference between life and death. It’s impossible to fight, let alone move, if you can’t stand.

Paul uses three main words in preparing your feet for battle against the enemy; readiness, Gospel and peace. We are to be ready—alert or prepared—for battle against the enemy. God has given every believer everything required to fight and have victory over Satan’s schemes. The most foundational of all these components of the armor of God is the Gospel. The Gospel of peace is the good news that every believer is at peace with God. This is sure footing for every believer. We can stand, not on our own strength, but on the strength of His might.

The Gospel does not just save us. It gives us the power to live for Him every day. Are we preparing our feet with the Gospel of peace? Are we looking to the cross not only for salvation, but for spiritual living? We have been changed from God’s enemies into His children. God, who was once our enemy, is now our defender. Does this give you confidence in fighting the enemy? It should be our only confidence: that we have the God of the universe on our side. I pray that all of us will be confident in the power of God, and that we would be trusting in the firm footing of the Gospel.