Reflection for Friday 19 March 2021

Reading Ephesians 6:10-17

"Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you read y to proclaim the gospel of peace"

SHOES OF PROCLAMATION

Sometimes in the morning before I begin to put on my clothes, I will remember to first pray the prayer to put on my spiritual armour.

More often, I confess, I forget, and my mind only prompted to do so when I feel particularly under attack from the enemy.

In the midst of the clothing there comes the call to put on the shoes that are to proclaim the gospel of peace.

The army of God is to go into places of conflict to bring reconciliation, and to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

I can well remember a time when I was so angry with a member of my congregation that I stormed off after Sunday worship to have it out with her.

As I marched into the church hall, my daughter shouted after me, “mother! are you wearing the shoes of peace!!?”

The words stopped me in my tracks, for I realised in an instant, that the enemy was at work, and had I carried our my intention of attacking this person who had so angered me, the he would have been rubbing his hands with glee.

Instead, I stopped, prayed for forgiveness, and went forth to try my best to bring peace to this difficult situation.

Day in day out, the enemy will try to divert us off our walk with Jesus. Our task is to be mindful of his wily ways, and to put on our spiritual armour each day.

POINTS TO PONDER.

1 WHAT DIFFERENCE WOULD IT MAKE TO YOUR WALK OF FAITH TO PUT ON THE ARMOUR OF GOD EACH DAY?

2 HOW CAN YOU SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN YOUR FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, CONGREGATIONS?

PRAYER

Prince of Peace, as your followers we know our call is not only to proclaim the gospel of peace, but to embody it in every interaction with others we encounter.

You have given us all we need to be makers of peace and bearers of you light.

As we don the full armour of God, may others see us be inspired to join your grace-filled revolution of reconciliation.

Amen.