Peace.
It seems like a somewhat foreign concept these days. Wars, terrorism, racial tensions, gang violence, economic uncertainty, financial hardship, domestic disputes, et cetera ad infinitum. With so many things happening around us, one wonders how we can possibly have peace. Yet despite the volatility of our times, indeed because of it, peace is precisely what we need. In Ephesians 6, Paul highlights the need for peace when he lists it as part of the armor of God that we are to put on in preparation for spiritual battle. In previous weeks I've blogged on the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness. This week's post is on what I'll term (since you'll see it described in a variety of ways) the Sandals of Peace.
"Stand firm then...with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:14a, 15
A soldier of the Roman Empire wore a specific type of footwear called the caligae (singular = caliga). These sandals laced up tightly in the center to provide support for the ankle. They featured a thick sole designed to protect the feet from sharp debris as well as traps. One of the more common traps in use by the enemy consisted of burying sharpened sticks with their tips just above the surface of the ground. Without the protection of the thick soles, a soldiers feet could be pierced, severely hindering their ability to fight. If infection set in, they might be removed from battle altogether. Another distinctive feature of the caligae was the hobnailed bottoms. These iron nails, which protruded from the soles of the sandals, provided traction for the soldier when climbing a slippery hillside or or an enhanced ability to stand firm on grass or mud (similar to today's athletic cleats). The caligae were an essential piece of the armor of a Roman soldier. Without protected feet and firm footing, a sword and shield would matter little. To be effective, one's feet had to be prepared with the right equipment.
War and Peace
It may seem strange that we're told to pursue peace in order to prepare for war. But in the same way that the caligae protected and prepared the feet of the soldier, so peace protects us and prepares us for battle. An effective soldier was ready for debris in the road and the traps of the enemy because his feet were equipped properly. Peace prepares us for the turmoil and uncertainty of life and also helps us stand firm when (not if) the devil attacks.
Let's look at 2 different types of peace:
Peace WITH God
Before a person becomes a Christian they are an enemy of God. Once a person accepts Jesus as their Savior, they have peace with God.
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved form the hope held out in the gospel." Colossians 1:21-23a
"...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..."
There is a peace that comes from our changed status before God. Satan will never ultimately prevail against us because he has already been defeated at the cross. Peace with God allows us to stand firm on the knowledge that we have eternal life.
Peace OF God
Our peace with God results in eternal life. The peace of God gives us the abundant life Jesus talks about (John 10:10). Too often, Christians stop at peace with God, they never really pursue the peace of God. But Paul tells us (those who already have peace with God) that we need to put on peace. Lives without peace often end up characterized by other things:
- Stress
- Depression
- Hurt
- Hopelessness
- Panic
- Guilt
- Fear
Without God's peace, we have no effective way of dealing with these things. Peace is not the absence of trials and temptations; it is a gift from God that, when utilized, allows us to have a settled mind and focus fully on the battle.
So how do we put on the Sandals of Peace? I think there are two very effective ways; two things that we need to pursue for peace.
Prayer
Daily prayer is like the protection afforded by the thick soles of the sandals. It acts to protect us from the debris of everyday life, the things that happen all around us that tend to erode our peace.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Pray for God's wisdom. Peace comes as a result of knowing your decisions are directed by God.
"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom...all her paths are peace." Proverbs 3:13,17
Give your anxiety to God.
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7
Promises
Dwelling on God's promises helps us dig in for the fight just like the hobnailed sandals provided traction for the soldier. Standing firm and focusing on His promises through reading His Word daily helps us to battle the enemies of peace.
"Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble." Psalm 119:165
Here's some of the promises I stand on to battle my own personal enemies of peace:
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well." Matthew 6:31-33
The peace of God depends on trust and obedience.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Final Thoughts
Pursuing peace is all about perspective. It's about "upward", instead of inward or outward. To have real peace we have to put our trust in God and obey His Word. When we do that, instead of focusing inward on our worries and fears, or outward on circumstances beyond our control, we will be putting on the Sandals of Peace.
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