“And let the Peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

In this session of the Armor of God blog series, we are going to talk about the shoes of peace as described by Paul, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;” Ephesians 6:15 (KJV).

I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure, at one point or another as young children, we can remember walking around the house in a pair of one of our parent’s six-sizes too big shoes.  We wanted to be like our mom or our dad and wearing their oversized shoes and oversized clothes made us feel like them.

When I read this passage that Paul wrote about our feet being shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15), I’m reminded that now, as an adult, I should be walking around in my heavenly Father’s shoes.  But, not just any shoes, I should have my feet covered with the Gospel of peace.  Where there is peace there is stability.  For many years, I wore the most uncomfortable shoes but they sure were cute.  My feet would hurt so bad that walking was a struggle and even standing was difficult.  I was pretty unstable on my feet in those shoes.

The metaphor of the shoes Paul is using are those of the Roman soldiers.  The footwear of the soldiers were very distinctive in that they were like half sandal and half military boot.  The soles of the shoe had several layers of leather in order to clench in nails to the bottom of the sole similar to what we would see as metal cleats on the bottom of certain athletic shoes.  What these spikes do are provide a firm grip to the ground to keep the soldier sure-footed and stable when holding his ground or even advancing against an enemy.

When our feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, we can remain stable against the enemy’s attack.  In Philippians 4:7 (KJV) it says, “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.  This is what Paul is talking about in this letter to the Ephesians.  We cannot withstand the storms of this life without the peace of the Lord in our hearts and in our minds.  When God’s peace is locked in our life, it will become our guard, our protector, our calm and our stability.  Christ is our peace.  In Christ Jesus, we have peace with God.

Peace will not only be your guard; it will also become your guide.  As you continue to let God’s peace reign in your hearts and in your minds, it will direct your steps as you navigate life in this unpeaceful world.

The armor of the soldier not only served to protect the soldier but it was also meant to impress and to intimidate the enemy.  Satan knows that where there is no peace, he can use that to his advantage.  But, we have the advantage when we live in peace, we have the victory.

So, live victoriously!  As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him (Colossians 2:6).