Part of the armour of God that Paul tells us to wear in Ephesians 6:10-18 is the sandals of the gospel of peace (v.14).
Why is this even important?
Many Christians usually emphasise the belt of truth for its ability to hold all pieces of the armour together, and the breastplate of righteous for it protects the heart. We should never underestimate the sheer importance of the gospel as our footwear. Let me explain.
Foot Armour
Paul likened the Christian's defensive armour to that of a Roman centurion. Of course there are other styles of defensive armour across the ages, but one of the key pieces of any given armour is the footwear.
Foot armour types varied through the centuries. Roman centurions had leather sandals, knights in the Middle Ages had greaves, and today's soldiers have heavy-duty boots that have non-skid soles. Let's talk about the latter.
A Secure Footing
Many shoes look good, but they offer no protection against slipping and other harmful elements. Other shoes offer added protection, such as steel toes and non-skid, non-marking outsoles. Whatever the kind, shoes offer one thing: a secure footing.
Having a secure footing ensures that no one will slip when walking on a slippery floor, nor fall off a slippery slope. Those in the armed forces know the importance of strong shoes that can keep them safe against broken glass and other debris. Runners know the importance of non-slip shoes that provide excellent grip and traction. Mountain hikers know the importance of shoes that can take on the mud, and yet enable them to walk nimbly through all kinds of terrain.
Thus, what Paul was saying was that our feet must be grounded on the most secure foundation of all: Jesus Christ. He wants each and every Christian to place their feet on the secure foundation of the gospel, and nothing else.
Wear It
Putting on the gospel as our shoes means that whatever we step on, we decide to counter-check it with the gospel. It means our decisions are based on the gospel. It means the gospel will be the one that brings us to where we go, and will keep us safe from any possible harmful elements such as sin and deception. The gospel is our secure footing, but we are the ones who will wear it, tie it in place, and use it to our good.
Habakkuk 3:19 says, "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights."
God enables us to stand on the heights. How? By securing our feet on the right foundation – Jesus Christ.
Do you want to stand on the heights without fear? Then let Christ be the secure footing on which you stand. Let His finished work be your foundation.
