Ephesians 6:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Stand therefore, …, 15 and, as shoes
for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
NOTE: As a veteran,
and former commander, readiness is a crucial military concept. We measure it
constantly, we classify it, we track it, and we fix it when it falls too low
(sometimes by firing the commander). The first thing Paul starts with is shoes
for your feet. Shoes give you the ability to move into many different areas.
Without shoes, some areas cannot be entered. Also, shoes protect you from many
unseen foes and diseases of many kinds. Roman shoes (sandals) had nails
imbedded in the leather for traction, which probably help in battle. Now we
bring in "readiness," the Greek word hetoimasia,
which means the condition of being prepared. This is what it meant in the
military. And finally, the gospel of peace is the good news of peace (a state
of well-being and concord). This peace is only attained in a relationship with
Jesus Christ. A good cross reference is in Peter's letter:
1 Peter 3:15 (RSV) — 15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always
be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope
that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;
So pulling this all
together, the shoes are the ability to take the gospel into the world. We need
to be ready. We need to study. We need to be bold and not shrink back when
someone questions us. We don't need to know every answer, in fact a simple
answer such as,
"I
don't know about that (optional: and I will
research it), all I know is that when I asked Jesus to be my savior, my
life radically changed from the inside out. I have a peace that I never
experienced before. I see my life, certainly not perfect, but changing as I
grow in this new found relationship with Jesus Christ."
The above is a great
answer, providing it is true for you. But, I would add that if someone asks me
a question I cannot answer, I try to make sure that is last time that question
is asked and I don't have an answer. That is the point of 1 Pet 3:15 "…
always being prepared."
PRAYER: Father, I
pray I would stand my ground. I pray I would move into areas and relationships
that may be uncomfortable. And I pray I would continually get better at
answering questions.
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