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Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:14-15).

Imagine a soldier with the best weapons, the warmest clothing, and the safest helmet. Now you look down\u2026barefoot! How effective will she be in battle? How many miles can he march? In the rough conditions of the battle, feet will be bleeding and sore too soon.

In ancient days a variety of footwear was used by soldiers. Most common were something called greaves. These protected the legs and feet against cold and injury. Soldiers used half-boots or sandals that were hobnailed, spiked, giving traction.

Our text is not concerned with the type of footwear, but on the preparation of the feet. We are encouraged to lay aside every hindrance and to be prepared both for journey and war. By nature, many of us dislike exertion, especially of the spiritual kind. Rough roads and other obstacles slow our progress, and we are discouraged by the smallest annoyance. Thus, Paul holds out the \u2018gospel of peace\u2019 as essential for the Christian life.

How do feet \u201cfitted with the readiness that comes from gospel of peace\u201d help us to stand against the attacks of the devil? Paul takes his cue from Isaiah 52:7, \u201cHow beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who brings good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, \u2018Your God reigns.\u2019\u201d Paul suggests that there is more to this than just proclamation.

\u201cReadiness\u201d suggests all of life. Knowledge of the gospel should make us alert (6:18) and ready for life. Since we have been taught in the school of Christ, we are careful about our speech and actions. We do not live in the dark. We live wisely, redeeming the time and understanding the will of the Lord, not only sharing the good news, but also being agents of peace and love, ready to do the whole will of God.

What is the gospel of peace? It is the message that we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Nothing else gives peace to the conscience. Christ is our peace (2:14). Without Christ we are separated from God because of our sin. But now, through Christ, we are united with God and with each other, a new humanity. God has made peace with us through the blood of Christ. This is the peace of the gospel, God\u2019s gift.

Cosmic peace, global harmony is God\u2019s pledge to the world (1:10; 3:10). When it is realized in the Church, the death knell sounds for the cosmic powers opposing God. Yet, when we demonstrate the peace of God these forces intensify their opposition. Our preparation for standing firm against the fragmenting powers of evil is the harmony produced by the gospel. We become the world\u2019s peacemakers.

Peace with God results in peace on earth. That\u2019s what the angels said, \u201cGlory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests\u201d (Luke 2:14). Only the lowly shepherds knew that Jesus had come and already the angels declared peace on earth. Especially in the Church we need to live that peace. One of the devil's most effective means of neutralizing a church or a Christian is to get a fight going! Think about it! How well do you pray when you're fighting with your spouse? How many people are attracted to a church at war? Do we take every concern prayerfully to God when our minds are not at peace?

When we are ready to fight, ready to turn viciously on each other...let's turn instead to Jesus with a plea for His peace (James 4:1-7). Elsewhere, Paul tells us how people whose feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace act: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Colossians 3:13-15).

Is that asking too much? Not at all, since we live under this blessing:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:17-21).