Shoes of Readiness

In early summer, it’s pleasant to walk through our yard in bare feet. We feel cool soft earth and blades of grass slide between our toes. But oh the pain of encountering a thistle or stone and even thinking of stepping on a piece of glass or a nail makes us cringe. Damage to our feet is disabling until they heal. Therefore, we wear shoes.

Our third piece of armor in Ephesians 6:15 is the preparation of the gospel or readiness to announce it. The NKJV reads, “…having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” The word “gospel” means good news. Therefore, the Good News Translation states, “and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.”  To me, there is no better news than Jesus died for our sins, was buried and resurrected the third day to give us the gift of eternal life. This is the gospel. When we finally understand we are sinners and accept His priceless gift, the peace of God floods our heart. How does this happen? I can’t explain it, because it’s a miracle of God. He does the work and then gives us the task of spreading His good news to a dying world.

In I Peter 3:15 God said, “…be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...” So looking at this piece of armor, how do shoes make us ready or prepared to give the gospel?

Shoes protect our feet, enable us to walk in every type of terrain and take action without worry.  This is what the truth of the gospel does. With good shoes of readiness, we can juke and jab, cut and move, dodge the fiery darts shot by the enemy of our soul and trample him in the dirt if necessary (Luke 10:19-20). Since the gospel gives us peace to know we are going to heaven when we die, it also creates confidence to tell others, because we want them to go there too.