Ephesians 4:11-14
Verse 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
One of the most important things we need to know about our battle footwear is how to wear them. In a society which thrives on quick and easy footwear which we can just slip on and off without having to touch them or even bend over, the shoes the soldier wears are put on with much more intention. It isn’t a matter of slipping them on as they head out the door. Shoes which are easily slipped on and off are not fit for the activity of battle.
The word translated “fitted” is best defined as “to bind under” giving us a better understanding it isn’t about how they fit but rather how secure they are on our feet. It takes only one hike to help you know the importance of a well-fitted shoe. While size plays a big part in the fitting of the shoe we need to be intentional about how we wear them.
If your feet aren’t tightly secured by lacing them tightly, your toes may start hurting as you walk down a steep hill because your foot will slide forward in the shoe. If too loosely laced they could allow rubbing which brings on blisters and may be unstable when walking on uneven terrain. This is one reason the Christian soldier was told to make sure their shoes were properly fitted, if we are not tightened into the peace of the Gospel, we are not going to have good footing which will lead to not being able to stand firmly.
A soldier with sloppy fitting shoes or boots will likely get injured and can cause issues with other soldiers as well. If marching uphill and the soldier with the ill-fitted shoes slips, everyone coming behind them may find themselves also headed down the hill. But how does that apply to the spiritual army?
Our key verse for the day has been mentioned before in this study of the armor but it ties in well with our thoughts for the day. If we aren’t strapped securely by our peace of the Gospel we will find ourselves easily slipping into doctrines which sound like peace but are really the work of the enemy to get us off track. Like any good soldier we need to be sure our footing is secure and that begins with making sure our shoes are secure. And spiritually speaking we need to make sure our doctrine of the gospel of peace is solid in our heart and mind.
Making It Personal
How firm are you in your understanding of the Gospel? What do you do regularly to make sure you are secure in your understanding of the Gospel? Do you help others stay secure in their understanding of the Gospel?
Making It Personal Kids
How can you learn to make sure you understand what the Gospel means? Why is it important to know the truth about the Gospel? Do you like to learn about the Gospel so you can share it with others?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess we don’t always make sure we are tight on our theology about the peace of the Gospel. Please help us find importance in knowing the truth of Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.