Gospel Shoes

Awhile back I found that my shins sometimes would hurt when I ran. So I went to a store that helped with that sort of thing. They put me on a treadmill and watched me run. Then they told me that I was “pronating.” It turned out that I needed firmer shoes.

Shoes matter. In the first century, Roman soldiers wore sandals, but they also would wear boots with small cleats that gave them firm footing in battle. They also gave the soldiers protection. Often their enemies would bury sharp sticks in the ground, which were designed to immobilize the soldiers who stepped on them. They had to keep their boots on.

As Christians, we’ll face that kind of opposition in the spiritual battle. Writing to the believers at Ephesus, the apostle Paul said, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. . . . For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared” (Ephesians 6:11, 15 NLT).

These gospel shoes speak of mobility. With these we gain ground in the spiritual battle by marching forward. When we bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others, we are, in effect invading enemy territory.

Romans 10 says, “And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’” (verses 14–15 NLT).

The Bible tells us that as soldiers under the command of Jesus Christ, we are to be on duty at all times. We are to be alert, ready, and looking for opportunities to share the gospel.