Different kinds of shoes are needed for walking on different terrain. What has the type of shoes to do with the armour of God?
Ephesians 6:15 (ESV): “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
It is interesting to note that shoes are part of the armour. In fact, it is an important part. We cannot go into battle without shoes because it will curtail our ability to fight, and it will be painful as we pass through difficult terrain.
We need shoes that can anchor us as we may slip. In ancient times, shoes had soles with nails strategically placed and designed to provide traction for anchoring.
In the same way that shoes allow us to walk through different terrain, readiness given by the gospel of peace, the good news of Christ, helps us in difficult situations. We need to anchor our faith in Christ and depend on the Holy Spirit to keep us from slipping.
We will then have the confidence to boldly proclaim His name and be ready to share the Gospel.
As in the current pulpit messages on Exodus 22-23, we can share Christ in down-to-earth ways, for example, by not wronging the resident aliens (migrant workers), loving our neighbour even if he is our enemy and upholding fairness.
Equipped with the readiness given by the Gospel of peace, the peace given by Christ (John 14:27), we will have the courage to share our faith with others, including the broken, the poor and the suffering.
To withstand the schemes of the devil, we need to put on the whole armour of God.
Dr Vivien Ler