Protecting their feet is incredibly important to soldiers because they spend so much time on them. In fact, some military historians argue that combat boots are the most important piece of equipment in a soldiers gear kit. Combat boots have a long history – dating all the way back to the Assyrian and Roman militaries. Originally, soldiers would wear leather boots with animal bone fasted on top. Later, the Romans eventually moved away from open toes sandals to caligae – a sandal boot which has all the light weightness of a sandal but closed toes and sturdy soles like a boot for protection. In the Middle Ages, mounted cavalry wore sabatons to protect their feet and upper legs from infantry men attacks while they rode through battle. Eventually the first form of combat boots appeared in 1816 and have evolved significantly over time. Infantry soldiers need good shoes and socks because they are marching, walking, and running on their feet constantly. Today, there are a variety of combat boots – depending on the division of the military. Needless to say, all boots are sturdy, functional, and protective.
Paul tells us our boots in our spiritual gear kit are made of the preparation of the gospel of peace. As christians, we should always be prepared to share the gospel with others. We never know when we are going to be presented with an opportunity to share the gospel so we must always be ready. We should always be on the move taking the message of peace and reconciliation to others.
At first glance, you may just focus on the shoes but let’s briefly also take a deeper look at Paul’s full statement:
🥾Shod or put on your feet. We use our feet daily so we must choose wisely what shoe we wear especially into battle.
🥾Preparation. We must be prepared for any circumstance or any situation we find ourselves.
🥾 Gospel. Our foundation – our feet – must stand in the good news of Christ’ death and resurrection to bring about our salvation.
🥾 Peace. We must take the message of God’s peace and reconciliation to others. We must walk in that peace so others can see it on our lives.
Ultimately, the foot gear of a soldier may seem like a small or insignificant piece of equipment but they are vital to a soldier’s success in battle – both for offensive and defensive situations.
So, lace up and put on the boots of preparation of the gospel of peace. They will enable you to stand firm against Satan’s attacks. They will help you move forward for God and share His message. 🥾🥾🥾 #soldiersforChrist #TheLordIsMyBanner
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