Proper Shoes
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15
Read Ephesians 6:10-15
Maybe you enjoy wearing running shoes or other casual footwear. They should fit well; they should not pinch your feet. But the disadvantage of casual footwear is that, when stepping on a large sharp object, it could pierce your shoe and cause a nasty wound in your foot. This could result in becoming immobilised or a more serious problem. The success of Roman soldiers in ancient times can be summed up by two factors: the excellent road system they had built and the high-quality footwear they wore.
It is very important for a Christian to wear proper spiritual footwear. Paul calls this being shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. By this terminology Paul means we must be ready to pass on the news of the gospel, but first our hearts have to be prepared by the gospel itself. This gospel contains spiritual nutrients. As long as we have not experienced these spiritual exercises, our feet will go in the wrong direction. You will end up in the bars, theatres and other places where worldly music, drinking, immorality and profanity are considered good and normal.
What kind of shoes are you wearing? To what kinds of places do they bring you? Have you ever prayed: Guide Thou my feet that I may know where I must go?
Thought: Your feet can bring you to sinful places. Where do they bring you if you desire to serve the Lord?
Psalter 52:1,2 (based on Psalm 23) Thou, Jehovah, art my Shepherd, Therefore I no want shall know; In green pastures Thou dost rest me, Leadest where still waters flow, And, when fainting, Sweet refreshment dost bestow. For Thy Name’s sake Thou dost guide me In the paths of righteousness; Though I walk the vale of shadows, Fears no more my soul oppress; Thou art with me, With Thy rod and staff to bless.