Suit Up! (Part 3): Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
As a child growing up in the South, my siblings and I engaged in the grandest adventures playing outside, chasing butterflies during the day, and trying to catch “lightning bugs” (aka fireflies) at night. All these exuberant adventures were had while going without shoes. Truth be told, the only time shoes were worn was for a trip to town, school and church. Summertime spelled freedom for feet!
Of course, in Ephesians 6, Paul is not talking about real shoes. He is using an analogy that references soldiers wearing a particular type of shoe to serve in an army.
Going without shoes as a child was a wonderful experience, but if I review all that transpired while not wearing shoes, I can remember that there was a time I stepped on a Velvet Ant (painful!). There were times that I encountered stickers and “little surprises” left by all the animals that were raised on the farm. These childhood adventures pale in comparison to the spiritual misadventures we encounter as adults, when we are not properly outfitted for spiritual war. However, the parallel is pretty straightforward: wearing the right shoes will protect the whole body.
Shoes are a vital component of spiritual armor. As we navigate a world where peace is a prized commodity, yet elusive or even non-existent, believers must be strategic in how they pursue peace. Believers must be knowledgeable that things and possessions are not the bearers of peace. Spiritual peace is an inner tranquility that transcends external circumstances and must be developed from a connection with God. It is a peace that arises from a lifestyle of thankfulness and meditation.
The divine Shoes of the Gospel of Peace are the foundation that will strengthen believers to stand firm on the Word of God even when popular opinion appears as an overwhelming ocean tide. The shoes represent the readiness of believers to stand and to share the gospel of peace with others. The shoes of peace support believers as they walk through challenges. Romans 5:1 (NIV) tells us, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Spiritual peace is rooted in contentment, forgiveness, purpose and acceptance. It is understood that forgiveness is necessary to free yourself from the contamination of hate. It is the realization that forgiveness is more beneficial to the one who forgives than to the one who is forgiven. That same peace is connected to a sense of satisfaction, having found your purpose and pursuing that purpose. Spiritual peace is living in the reality of how things are and allowing God’s peace to ground you and support you.
Living life fully will thrust us into uncomfortable spaces and bring on unexpected challenges, but the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace will keep believers rooted in peace and active in living a productive life that truly represents Christ.
It is allowing yourself the freedom to allow Christ to center your life and empower you to speak peace into situations where there is chaos because your dependence is not on yourself. The reliance is on remembering that we are soldiers, yes, but we are also called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18).
St. James AME Church is located at 360 Dorothy St. in Charleston and worship service is held on the first and third Sundays of each month at 11 a.m. You may also join us on Zoom at pastorv.com.
