Walk in the Spirit



"Stand firm then . . . with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15)

That’s a mouthful just to say: feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. So where’s the emphasis? Peace? Shoes? Gospel? The way the phrase is written in the original Greek, the emphasis is on the word “readiness,” not on “peace” which most assume. Think about it this way: a soldier may have all the right equipment, but if he’s not on the right part of the battlefield at the right moment, he’ll miss the action. If the solider is on the right part of the battlefield but gets distracted, he’ll fail to see the attack coming his way. It’s not just enough to be properly armed. You have to be situationally aware. That’s what it means to have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

The reason the qualifier of “gospel of peace” is attached to the word “readiness” is to remind us of the outward nature of our spiritual warfare. It’s not just enough to focus on our own safety and our own spiritual victory. The Holy Spirit will not only make us aware of spiritual attacks coming in our direction, but of spiritual attacks and opportunities to make spiritual advances in the lives of those around us. The gospel of peace is meant for all people, and our great privilege and responsibility is to keep our eyes and ears open, being spiritually sensitive, to the opportunities around us every day.

Walking in the Spirit is a way to help visualize what it means to stay situationally aware of the spiritual warfare around you. When you not only listen to the Spirit but do what He tells you to do, you’re walking in the Spirit. He will warn you of impending attacks and show you opportunities for victory.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How familiar are you with the Holy Spirit? In your personal and church background, was the Holy Spirit taught or emphasized? What was taught?

2. Wrestle with the phrase “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” This piece of armor is just as important as the rest, although it’s usually the least understood. Write out in your own words your understanding of this critical piece of armor.

NEXT STEP

The next step in walking in the Spirit is to listen until you hear the Spirit speak to you. That doesn’t mean that you have to sit in one place in some type of meditative trance. It’s about awareness. Actively listen today and see what the Spirit tells you to do. Don’t get discouraged if it’s unfamiliar at first.


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