We all have lots of shoes for different types of activities. In Ephesians, chapter 6, starting in verse 10, Paul writes:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
The NIV translates verse 15 as:
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
When I read the ESV version, it really hit me that we need to put on shoes and go share the gospel. Our shoes represent the readiness that the gospel itself provides. It is so important to have the right shoes. This was so evident when we were heading out to the beach and crossing the hot sand. Without shoes, the sand was too hot to walk through and if you tried it, your feet would be burned. There are many other instances where the task we are trying to accomplish requires a certain type of shoe – baseball cleats certainly could not be worn to play on a basketball court. Likewise, basketball shoes would not provide the traction needed on the baseball field. The examples are endless. I am sure we have all been caught saying “why does she have on high heels when she knew we were going to do this” – whatever this may be. In this scripture, Paul is telling us to put on shoes that make us ready to share the gospel – the word of God.
Shoes also imply that you will be walking, running, etc. You will be moving! All of the armor mentioned is critical but let’s not forget the basics – shoes for our feet. Without the gospel of God directing us, we will be stumbling through life like walking across hot or rocky surfaces without shoes.