We are now maturing in the third element of God's Armor, The Shoes of Readiness (Ephesians 6:15). Thus far, we have covered the why, what, and how of God's shoes in this mini-devotional series in the overall Armor of God series. In this devotion, we'll focus on when to wear the spiritual shoes of God to be wise in any circumstance, situation, or relationship. By understanding when to wear them, a person will be fruitful and thrive in the love of God, resulting in a victorious reality that continually advances God's excellence inward, outward, and upward.
When to wear the shoes of readiness is easily understood when thinking of warfare. In war, there is always a defensive and offensive purpose or stance. Defending Christians take an attitude away from evil by gaining God's objective and subjective word through all creation and the Bible. They do so to stand intentionally and build confidence in their volunteer position in Christ (Ephesians 6:16). In other words, God's people gain and use His Wisdom to fight defensively to advance the Good fight forward offensively. Offensively, warriors of Christ express God's care, responsibility, respect, and know-how. They do everything they can to understand the enemy to persuade them to partake at the Lord's dinner table of Peace.
To be prepared and partake at the Lord's table means to intentionally live for God and readily be part of something good and purposeful. It's about living out a set of divine values and practicing them closely with God and others to make a significant difference in people's lives and reality (Galatians 5:13-26). We do this by increasing and growing a good life by wearing "The Belt of Truth" and protecting what matters most to us by wearing "The Breastplate of Righteousness," always readying and wearing "The Shoes of Readiness" to safeguard whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable in the LORD (Philippians 4:8).
When Christians wear The Shoes of Readiness, they understand their place in life in the Lord. They express God's love, success, and outcome generously and are readily noticeable. It is obvious when God's shoes are worn. The Christ warrior's mode of life is filled with love and justice, where their highest value is to bring God's significance to people and not tear them down with anger, guilt, and shame. Their words and deeds are filled with grace and Truth that are undivided and lift people rather than push them down. Their faithfulness consistently travels the high road of God and goes the second mile of respecting and knowing all people as the Creator made them, including their enemies. And without a doubt, the result of "who they are" and "what they do" meet God's expectation of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, and Self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
Now, the question is, when are you readying and wearing The Shoes of Readiness? Hopefully always! If not, won't you put on God's shoes today? They are the most comfortable shoes anyone can wear in any circumstance, situation, and relationship in battle and truce of Life.
With belief in God, you, and us,