Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:11)
Have you ever tried taking your clubs and playing golf wearing flip-flops? Or basketball wearing dress shoes? I’m not saying such things may have happened. We all know the right shoes are truly critical as preparation for any game. Anything less brings us into question.
Ephesians is Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. He had planted this church and taught there for several years. In those years, scripture tells us, his message was not only heard but was “growing mightily and prevailing.” (see Acts 19:20) But many saw him and his message as a cultural and promotional threat. Ephesus was after all known in the Roman Empire as the guardian of the great temple of the goddess Artemis.
Though no longer present, Paul’s concern moved him to write them from prison. Knowing their enemies threatened them, he still called them to continue to live the truth that had set them free. Though he made no effort to hide from them the dangers they faced, he did advise them to prepare themselves. To “take up the Armor of God” that they might “stand firm” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
We often quickly pass over one item of armor. It’s in the command to “shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Helmets, breastplates, shields, and swords; all these seem more important. But It is the Gospel of Peace that is our hope and prepares us as living witnesses to share His truth with this dark world.
We need the full armor of course. But let us never forget that the best armor is of value only when worn by one standing firm. If we are to have the solid footing needed for the rest of the armor to do its job, we must take our stand in Christ.
God has not hidden from us the fact that this world and the powers of evil will challenge our message. But our commission; Going to all nations, making disciples and teaching them, has never changed. (Mat 28: 18-20) Let us put on God’s armor, trust Him for our footing and stand firm in our time!
What shoes do you wear?
This Mind 
When I was hiking on Mt. Rainier, my sister and I stopped for lunch. A man stopped and we had a nice visit. I noticed that the soles of his shoes were extra wide. I asked him why? He is a forest fire fighter and they all wear these boots with wider soles to give them a greater stability when they are working in the rough terrain. I often think of his shoes when I read this passage – and how important the shoes are – how important the gospel (of peace) is needed. Thanks for the reminder.
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