A Thought From the Word

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15

Paul knew that soldiers engaged in hand-to-hand comabt needed good foot wear. Some soldiers of that time would wear shoes with spikes sticking out the bottom to help ensure they could retain good footing in the midst of battle. The Christian is engaged in a spiritual battle and also needs good footing.

Jesus Christ came on a mission of peace, to gain reconciliation between a holy God and sinful men. By suffering the wrath of God against the sins of His people, Christ accomplished this peace. That's why it is called the gospel of peace. Those who trust in the death and resurrection of Christ as their only ground of salvation have the solid footing of peace with God and no fear of condemnation.

What ground are you standing on today? Are you rushing around filling yourself up with activity after activity to suppress a guilty conscience? It's time to be open in confession before God (and maybe others), and in doing so, stand on the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. Do you carry the burden of wondering if you have done enough religious deeds to guarantee God will bless you? It's time to realize that all your efforts can never earn God's love. Stand on the solid foundation that being found in Christ alone is sufficient to be accepted with God. Are you comparing yourself to other believers, keeping tabs on who is doing more in the kingdom of God? It's time to remember that faithful service comes from a foundation of gospel peace, not competition. Are you discouraged with how many times you fail, and then think you can't have any joy in the Lord until you're perfect? It's time to quit standing on how well you've done today, and stand on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.