Those Little Sandals 4-20-08
Although it is commonly held that “an army marches on its stomach,” a quote attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, an army actually marches on its footwear. No, I am not trying to be obtuse; rather, I am relating something very important that every infantryman can appreciate: you are only ready to move out if your feet are ready to carry you. Throughout history, man has improved on clothing technology, and more than a little attention has been spent on footwear. Advances range from the purpose (keeping the feet dry or protecting from cutting trauma) to the fashion (long-pointed toes or a high platform sole) to the composition (leather, wood, rubber, etc.). Military footwear has also advanced from the hobnail-soled Roman caligae (sandals) to modern combat boots. But the purpose of these types of footwear is singular: to enable the soldiers wearing them to more quickly and effectively enter the fight. It is with the military purpose of fighting the enemy in mind that Paul says to us:
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:14-15 NIV)
Notice that no matter how well protected the soldier is, if his feet are bare he will not get very far. And what is it that enables a Christian to be ready? Readiness comes from the Gospel of Peace. It would seem then that the more conversant a person is with the Bible, to more ready that person is to stand firm as a Christian.
But what sort of footwear should a soldier choose? Does he choose rugged boots that are tailored for hiking and the outdoors, dress shoes that go well with a professional suit and tie, comfortable athletic shoes, or flip-flops? Notice that each one has a specific purpose, and the particular form suited best for that purpose? Each one is also used by modern soldiers. Depending on what the activity is, the appropriate footwear is chosen: boots for the field environment, dress shoes for the office/parade environment, athletic shoes for physical training, and flip-flops for barracks wear (especially in the shower area).
But what sort of footwear should a Christian choose? Do you realize that how you approach the Bible and implement its teachings determine your spiritual growth? How many Christians only ever wear one type of footwear? Some grab onto the outdoors, saying that you only experience God when hiking on a mountain (boots). Some say that only by sitting in church will you come to know God (dress-shoes). Some say that you have to get out and meet people, pounding the pavement and being involved with activities; that is how you find God (athletic shoes). And some say that you have to go live among the poor, tending to their needs and eschewing normal concerns of politics and economics; that is when you will meet God.
And they are all partly right! Your spiritual wardrobe should have all of these shoes. You should appreciate the wonders of God when you go hiking, fishing, or traveling. You need to put on your spiritual dress shoes and enter the church, knowing that forms and traditions connect and unify the members in worship and fellowship. You should put on your spiritual running shoes and be an ambassador of Christ, wherever you go and in whatever you do. And you do need to be mindful of the poor, and put on the flip-flops of Christ that remind us that nothing that we have in this world is permanent or worthwhile except for our status as the priesthood of God, and that we should order our priorities around that knowledge.
We really need to have more than one pair of shoes in our spiritual lives; but more important than that is that we make very sure that all of our shoes are bible-centered, just as Paul said. And if you wonder why all the talk about shoes, remember that the Romans had sandals made for their mission; those little sandals conquered the ancient world. What do you think Jesus wants us to do?
-Charles Peterson