Let’s face it! We could all use a little more peace in our lives right? Just like a new pair of shoes, peace doesn’t do us any good unless you put it on. The Shoes of Peace are the third piece of God’s Armor that is mentioned in Ephesians 6. Putting on the Armor of God is essential to a victorious life.

Putting On the Armor of God

To quickly review, as followers of Jesus, we live in a world that we do not belong. In order to do the work that our Heavenly Father has called us to do, we need to use the weapons that He has given to us.

It would be totally insane for a soldier to go to war without the equipment that has been provided. They need weapons but also basic supplies such as boots and socks. Each soldier has certain items they are issued to insure their chances for survival and they must keep up with those items and use them carefully.

Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)

You may want to read about the first two pieces of armor that I discussed in earlier post. To catch up, just click the links for The Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness.

God’s Peace Verses Worldly Peace

We often get God’s meaning of peace confused with what the world sometimes considers peace. I cringe at the amount of children’s clothing I see adorned with this symbol of worldly peace.

Yes, we should all get along and yes, we should love one another, but the peace which God intends us to clothe ourselves with is not the version that says there is no right or wrong way. It is not a peace that accepts everything and lives blindly assuming if we all just give in to our own selfish desires and live the way we want then everyone will be happy.

No! It is a peace that comes from being, dwelling, and living the way God designed for us. This peace only comes from the wholeness of God. It is the totality of God at work in our lives.

A Peace that Calls for War

There was a misconception from those awaiting the arrival of the Messiah in the Bible. They were looking for a king that would come and set up a new kingdom that would bring about peace to their people. That is exactly what Jesus did; however, it didn’t look the way they thought.

Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

Jesus specifies that he brought a sword because He knows that the peace He desires to bring will not come without a fight. The world would not be willing to give up its false peace which is founded on man being his own god in exchange for the perfect peace that would come from making Christ Lord of their lives.

The Shoes of Peace

Putting on the shoes of peace does not mean that a Christian must always back down, cower, or give in so that everyone will be at peace, ease, or in a state of comfort. It also does not mean that they should be idle or noncontroversial. In the book of Ephesians, Paul used the imagery of a Roman soldier to speak about the Armor of God.

Roman soldiers walked in the authority of the Roman government. Their shoes where made for battle. They protected the soldier from injury, gave him the ability to stand firm in all situations, and trampled upon enemies leaving them incapacitated.

We walk in the peace of God and in His authority. We can stand firm in all situations,and can trample upon powers, principalities, and spiritual forces of evil.

Unmovable Peace

Have you ever worn a pair of Chacos? I remember the first time I put mine on. The way the straps wrap around is like they are tied onto you so tight that the sandal becomes molded to your feet. It feels like they are just an extension of your body. That was the impression I got when reading about the shoes of the Roman soldier. They were latched on with leather strips so securely that they just became part of the soldier. This is why Paul says to “shod” your feet with the gospel of peace.

It is important when we have the peace of God that we secure it to ourselves so it just becomes who we are.

What is this peace anyway?

There are two types of peace we experience in the Scripture; peace with God and the peace of God. All those who have found faith in Jesus Christ through salvation have peace with God. God looks upon those with peace because they have been reconciled to Him through the blood of Jesus.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through who also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 (NASB)

This verse alludes to the second kind of peace, the peace of God. It does so by mentioning that we can now stand by faith in the grace, hope, and glory of God.

The peace of God is the rest that comes from knowing, walking, and believing in His Word.

Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard our hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In his book Dressed to Kill, Rick Renner, defines the term peace that Paul uses as a “conquering force” that is “so strong and effective, all the chaos formerly experienced by that individual will be replaced with a peace that prevails in every area of his or her life.”

Wow! I want that kind of peace don’t you? Guess what? We have it! We just have to put it on, stand firm in it, hang onto it, and walk in it.

Peace as a Defensive Weapon

The shoes of peace act as a defensive weapon. In addition to shoes, the Roman soldiers wore armor around their shins that protected them in battle. Their shoes were tightly secure and comfortable for long arduous journeys. They also were equipped with metal spikes on the soles to ensure that they could stand firm and not lose their footing.

How does this apply to you and me? When we walk in the peace of God our lives are:

• Protected from the attacks of the enemy
• Firmly secure in God’s promises
• Successful in defeating the lies of the enemy
• Guarded against doubt, fear, and worry

When you walk in the peace of God, you become so accustomed to trusting Him. You have so much peace that when trials, chaos, or trouble come your way, you find that you can be of good cheer! This is because you serve the Living God who has already overcome the world and knows exactly how your life fits into His perfect plan.

Peace as an Offensive Weapon

The shoes of peace also act as a offensive weapon. The Roman soldier’s shoes where perfect for long journeys. They would proudly march on mission showing any enemy that they were confident in their authority. Because they were clothed as Rome, they also spoke for Rome.

We are to be clothed in Christ Jesus, and proudly on mission so that the enemy knows when we are up and moving.

Using the shoes of peace offensively means:

• The peace of God is our decision maker. It is the umpire or ruling factor of our decision making. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
• You can walk above the lies, threats, doubts, and fears the enemy tries to put in your path, placing him under your feet! “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Romans 16:20a (NASB)

Whatever your circumstance is, remember to walk in peace.

Are you tired from wrestling with your kids…walk in peace.

Are you worried about finances…walk in peace.

Maybe your marriage has been rocked by misunderstanding, you are praying for healing, or you were betrayed by a friend…walk in peace.

My prayer for you today is that the peace of God will overtake you in whatever situation you may find yourself. I pray that His goodness, promises, and love will overshadow you with a peace that will give you the power to stand for another day.

Blessings from our family to yours,

Madaline