Living in peace is relevant to every one of us whatever our age or background so that we can live peaceful lives even in times of stress and pressure. It’s easy to become agitated. Sometimes it seems we are under attack in different ways - in our emotions, our thoughts, our families, our health or finances.
Ephesians 6:13-15: ‘Put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.’
Peace doesn’t come automatically. We have to be ready to live in peace. We must make sure that we are not caught off guard when trouble hits. Preparation is so important. Staying in an attitude of peace in all situations will give us stability so that we don’t slip and slide all over the places in our emotions, words and actions and reactions. The image the apostle Paul uses here is focussed on having the right footwear.
You can’t be barefoot going into battle. A Roman soldier’s battle shoes were studded with nails or spikes to help him keep his balance in combat and have a firm footing. A soldier would know that if he lost his footing and went down, it wouldn’t matter how great the rest of his armour was, the enemy had him. We need to make sure that we are ready with our spiritual shoes on and fitted, knowing God’s peace at work in our lives so that we do not slip in our battles.
Having the right shoes on then means that we are grounded in the gospel of peace. The New Living Translation words it this way: ‘For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared’ (Ephesians 6:15). When we are ready with the gospel of peace, we live with the understanding that although we are continually under attack, we will always stand firm.
1. You can know the peace of God (John 14:27; Psalm 23; Psalm 23:1-4; Luke 1:79; Psalm 121:1-3; Psalm 91:9-13; Philippians 4:7)
2. You can be an ambassador for the good news of peace (Isaiah 52:7)
3. You can have peace with God (Colossians 1:20; Psalm 40:2)
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You can know the peace of God. There is only one source of real peace and that source is Jesus Christ the son of God. Only He can calm the storms that can rage in our hearts in our minds, in nations and communities (John 14:27; Psalm 23; Psalm 23:1-4; Luke 1:79). The Bible makes clear that at all times God wants you to walk a peaceful path of life, not one of uncertainty and fear (Psalm 121:1-3; Psalm 91:9-13). Standing firm is being confident God in the midst of any battle. Being prepared is knowing that you cannot be shaken or moved because you know that God is with you. We cannot slip in our faith or panic when the storm comes. God wants to bring you peace in the time of bereavement, peace in your health challenges, peace in your marriage, peace in the worry about your children, peace in financial struggles, peace in a mind of chaos, peace in your work, peace when facing mental health challenges. The list goes on but there is no limit to the peace of God which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Whatever storms and stress you are experiencing right now you can know the peace and presence of God in your hearts and homes. And when we experience God’s peace we should be ready to tell others about this good news.
You can be an ambassador for the good news of peace. Having our feet fitted with the shoes of the gospel of peace allows us to be ready to always share God with others (Isaiah 52:7). As Christians, we should always be prepared as we never know when an opportunity may arise to share the good news of the gospel with someone else. It is a good thing to tell someone about Jesus, no matter how you think they will react and how well it will be received - maybe you will change someone’s life and their generations.
You can have peace with God. Everything starts by coming into a right relationship with God. Lasting inner peace does not come through pleasure, power, possessions or drink or drugs. The Bible teaches that not only that there is a God but also that Jesus alone can bring us into fellowship with God (Colossians 1:20). Making your peace with God is the biggest and best decision you will ever make in your life. Whatever wrong you have been guilty of in word or thought or deed or relationship, you can be sorted out when you seek God for His mercy and forgiveness. When you get your relationship with God in order, all other relationships fall into place. This gives you a firm foundation (Psalm 40:2).
So here’s how to stay grounded and secure in the battles of life. Today you can know the peace of God. You can become an ambassador of peace for God and you can make your peace with God. So put on your shoes of the gospel of peace and stand firm at all times.
