Designer Footwear

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." Eph. 6:13-15


The spiritual armor laid out for us by our God to don as we face each day in this present, evil age has to do with putting on Christ that we may find stability in him and strength in his redemptive might that has overcome the devil. Given the admonition multiple times that we "stand" as the sum of our spiritual warfare, that with which our feet are shod draws particular interest. Standing has to do with the reality and exercise of our union with Christ. Paul's "stand" in Ephesians 6 equates with John's "abide" in John 15. Christ is our salvation, our stability, our surety, our strength.

If we tease out the image of the readiness given by the gospel of peace as constituting our footwear, what do we find? Feet support us and give us stability and leverage for our task. Our stand is on Christ, Christ crucified, raised and reigning. We stand with him who has put all things under his feet for his church (Eph. 2:22f.). By canceling the record of our debt that stood against us, setting it aside, nailing it to the cross, Christ has disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in himself (Col. 2:13ff.). Because of Christ, the God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet (Rom. 16:20). Every aspect of the peace accomplished by Christ fills the gospel and there we position ourselves.

If our feet are fitted with the gospel of peace, it is there we must stand, preaching the gospel to ourselves that Christ might be our all in all. He is our righteousness. He is our deliverance. He is our sustenance. He is our strength and shield.

Feet, however, are not only for standing; they are for ambulation. By our feet we march against the gates of hell, which cannot prevail against us because Christ reigns and his kingdom advances. Even in chains, captive in prison, Paul enjoins prayer for the the advance of the gospel (Eph. 6:18ff.). To the Philippians Paul gives assurance that his imprisonment has served to advance the gospel (Phil. 1:12ff.). Though Paul may be shackled, the gospel is not. The shoes of the gospel of peace we share as spiritual armor with Paul enable us and engage us wherever we tread. Some wear athletic sneakers for casual dress. However, the footwear of the soldier of Christ is not for lounging but for action. That it is deemed a "readiness given by the gospel of peace" implies preparedness and expectation.

If our feet are fitted with the gospel of peace, it is for the cause of the gospel, with the calling as its heralds, we must go. We enter our life-spheres as recipients of gospel grace and we must proclaim that good news of deliverance to those the Spirit of Christ gives us opportunity, that they too, by God's grace, may know peace with God and the peace of God.

Standing and marching--the shoes we put on for the comings and goings of daily life are intended for both as we stand firm in Christ and step out for him whom we serve.