Review: Can you fill in the blanks?
Therefore take up the whole _____ of God, that you may be able to _________ in the _______ day, and having done all, to _______.
___________ therefore, having girded your __________ with _________, having put on the _________ of ______________," Ephesians 6:13,14.
Today's passage:
. . . and having shod your feet with the preparation
of the gospel of peace; . . .
Ephesians 6:15
As we wear the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, our feet direct us. Our feet have two choices: they can either go or not go, and they can either go the wrong way or the right way. In some ways, "feet" can be a metaphor for just going forward, or making a decision. It may be on your phone, the words you choose to say, or what you watch on TV. That is still going forward in one way or the other. No matter what you do, you're always going somewhere. Even when we lie in bed all day, we've gone forward into missed opportunities and productivity. We've gone forward without preparation.
You are always going somewhere.
 |
| image by Pexels from Pixabay |
"Shod" means to wear or cover. We cover our feet with preparation as we go forward. What are we preparing for? We prepare for the gospel. In this verse the highlighted attribute of the gospel is peace. The gospel has many great attributes, but emphasizing its peace will help you stand against the wiles of Satan.
How do you apply this preparation to your life today? As you prepare to embark upon a new career, new job opportunities, new experiences or travels, then you know, as a believer, to prepare for moments of sharing the good news of Jesus, of reflecting Christ in your walk and talk, and by exalting God. Will this walk be easy? Of course not. But you can prepare so that when you are in a situation -- either by yourself or with others -- where your feet will need to make some choices (road rage or patience? being kind or contentious? judging or giving compassion? serving or self-serving?), the end result will be peace.
Peace includes forgiveness, submitting, considering others better than yourselves, praying for others, honoring Mom and Dad, honoring teachers, encouraging others, and sharing the love of Jesus.
 |
| Image by naassomz1 from Pixabay |
Remember, Satan will try to condemn you for where your feet have been; but you have the Holy Spirt, who will help you shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace and go forward.