The Soul-winner's Shoes

God has given His people some very precious gifts – His salvation (Eph 2:8), His word (2 Tim 3:16), His church (Mt 16:18), His peace (Jn 14:27), His provisions (Php 4:19), etc. But we have a relentless enemy, the devil (1 Pet 5:8), who will stop at nothing to take everything that God gives us. Therefore, we must “stand” (v. 16), ready to guard what we have received and hold our ground by taking unto us “the whole armour of God” (v. 13). But in order to withstand the enemy during the evil day, we must have our “feet shod” or bound with protection. We often take shoes for granted, but they are a very important part of our daily apparel. We wear different shoes to match our activities.

 Paul used the illustration of a Roman soldier to show us the importance of wearing every piece of God’s armour. One essential part of the armour is a pair of leather shoes that protected the soldier’s feet and ankles. A properly protected feet enables the soldier to prepare for the battle and have the stability to engage the enemy. If Christians are “to stand against the wiles of the devil” (v. 11), then we must ensure that we wear the proper spiritual footwear to prevent us from stumbling and falling (Ps 27:2)! The word “preparation” refers to being ready always unto “every good work” (Titus 3:1). A good pair of combat boots allow soldiers to be battle ready.

That same readiness should characterize every child of God (1 Pet 3:15). In particular, we must be ready always to share “the gospel of peace” to this lost and dying world! In obeying God’s command to go and tell the gospel (Mk 16:15), we must use our feet to “bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom 10:15)! We are to be actively engaged in sowing the good news that “Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim 1:15). It is the very heart of our duty to the lost! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera