Standing Our Ground
When I was a kid, I was either barefoot or in a pair of flip flops. My feet were pretty tough! Whereas today I’d much rather get a pedicure. In those days I was running around on rocks, dirt and pavement. I watch a show sometimes called Naked and Afraid (don’t judge me!), where survivalists are put to the ultimate test – they are dumped naked (with a stranger as a partner) in some remote, harsh location and have to figure out how to survive with very minimal resources for 21 days. I’ve noticed that some survivalists prep their feet for the challenge. I even watched one guy walk over hot coals over and over again to ensure that his feet were tough enough to handle the challenge. The really advanced survivalists take it a step further once they’re in the designated location and make shoes out of animal skin or other material. This greatly increases their chances of making it the full 21 days. Shoes are important!
You know who else thought shoes were pretty important? Roman soldiers! Historically, Roman battle shoes, otherwise known as caligae or calcei, had spikes or textured soles. Not only would they be comfortable, and the breathable structure allow the soldiers to march several miles without pain, but these spikes would help them stand their ground and stomp on the fallen enemy. Not to mention, these spiked soles would help them navigate better over rough terrain, unlike other footwear of the time. The enemy couldn’t seclude themselves in a rough patch of land when facing the Roman army. The soldiers would advance with minimal pain rendered to their feet.
Paul doesn’t use this historical information haphazardly in Ephesians 6:13-17. He understands the importance of peace in the life of a Christian soldier, and how much we need the shoes as well as the other elements of the armor, such as the sword or shield. In Ephesians 6:15 (NLT), it says, “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.”
Like the Naked and Afraid survivalists, we can try to toughen up our spiritual feet all we want, but unless we’re armed with the shoes of peace, we’re not going to get very far. Peace helps us to stay grounded, and simultaneously stand our ground. So how do we use these shoes? Here is a short list from Crosswalk.com:
1. We are to Walk in these Shoes a Great Distance
Roman soldiers would march for dozens of miles during any given stretch, and their shoes would not only have to conquer rough terrain but do as little damage to their feet as possible. Have you ever done A LOT of walking with the wrong shoes? I went to New Orleans last year and the shoes I packed were for looks, not for comfort. I quickly realized that we were going to be walking EVERYWHERE and by the end of each day, all I could think about was how bad my feet hurt! The Christian journey is long and hard, but God gives us these shoes to help us go great distances in our walk.
2. We are to Advance without Hesitation
Fear and uncertainty can threaten to stop any Christian from spreading the good news. If we catch the news, and watch the world succumb to darkness we can get tripped up without the readiness that comes from walking in the gospel of peace. We’ll hesitate or worry. And we won’t be effective soldiers. But with the readiness of these gospel of peace shoes, we don’t have to fear debris on the battlefield. We can advance through the rough terrain.
3. We Are to Walk Together
Roman troops advanced in formation. Not only does this intimidate the enemy, but they would plow right through any threats. In the same way, the Church must walk together, fitted with the good news of peace. That means helping each other adjust our crooked armor before we reach the battlefield. That way, we maintain formation and spread the good news effectively.
In the case of fitting our feet with the shoes of the Gospel of peace, this also means reminding each other of the peace we have. Often, we can get bogged down by the worries of this world, so as brothers and sisters in Christ, we must help each other remember the peace we have. The peace the enemy cannot rob from us.
Erin is a speaker and leadership development professional who has been in the learning and development field for over 12 years. She has a unique ability to engage with her audience and create learning experiences that inspire change and action. She is poised, articulate and delivers her message with passion.
Erin feels that God has called her to use her professional skills to further His kingdom. She is passionate about helping people develop skills and knowledge that will empower them to answer Jesus’ call in their lives and understand how they are uniquely wired to respond to His leading. See Erin's other writings at: www.erhspeaks.com