The Gospel of Peace

"..and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." --Ephesians 6:15 We've all been fitted for shoes at one time or another, and if you're flat-footed like me, you know immediately whether a shoe is gonna work or not. As kids, it was important for them to measure our feet with that little foot-measuring thing, remember? But it wasn't until your mom or dad found your big toe and you walked around a little that you and everyone else had a peace about them. A peace? Well...walk with me.

Consider the athlete. Most major sports -- from baseball, basketball to football -- have shoes that fit the game. It's simple, right? The athlete needs to be sure-footed for the surface. Sure-footed. At peace. Think of a golfer swinging a club on slick wet grass or a sprinter getting into the blocks. There's a peace in knowing you're firmly planted.

Consider Paul. When he described the full armor of God, he didn't forget the feet. In Biblical times, Roman sandals had thick spikes on the soles to ensure that the warrior was grounded, anchored, and less likely to slip. It's no wonder Paul urged for our feet to be "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Imagine. Athletes wear the shoe that best meets the needs of their sport. Ancient warriors dressed for battle. It's neat to consider God fitting His children - His athletes and warriors - to be sure-footed. And for every believer, one shoe fits. The gospel of peace. (Peace from head to big toe.)

--Jimmy Peña

PrayFit @ Pepperdine: Hey guys, I begin a lecture series next week at Pepperdine University. I covet your prayers as I fellowship with faculty and staff. So exciting and humbling to pull back the curtain and look at health through the Gospels' lens.