In a speech class in college the professor gave us an interesting assignment. We went around the class and he one by one gave us a topic and we had to immediately give an impromptu speech. While we were talking he would ring a bell every time we said um, ah, or paused for more than a second. The bell rang steadily all class period because we were unprepared to give our speeches.
The third piece of the armor of God is footwear prepared in the gospel of peace. This means we should be ready at all times to share and defend the gospel of Jesus Christ. Enable for us to be prepared we must be consistent in bible reading, bible study, prayer etc. We must daily fellowship with God, seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
If we are to be prepared in the gospel of peace we must know what we believe as well as know why we believe it. It is not good enough to simply follow your parents’ beliefs. Holding onto parental religion (just because dad and mom must be right) leaves us with shallow roots; unprepared in the gospel and easily shaken and tossed off balance (Eph 4:14 ). If we are to be victorious we must have deep roots grounded upon God’s gospel and able to defend why we believe so fervently that it is truth.
There is nothing wrong with questioning what you do not understand. God does not call us to a blind faith in which we are to simply believe what we have been told or what feels right: this is what other religions do. We must desire and seek out truth and not be quick to take man’s word as fact (Acts 17:11 ). Peter in his second letter reminded the readers that the apostles were not following cunningly devised fables but were rooted and grounded in the truth which they new to be fact (2 Peter 1:16). If you do not know the answer seek and you shall find (Matt 7:7) when you seek God with all your heart! (Jer. 29:13)
Are you prepared today in the gospel of peace? Do you know what you believe? Do you know why you believe it? (FYI it feels right is not good enough! Prov. 14:12) I challenge you today to answer these questions, and if you are unsure: SEEK, so that you may find truth.
Pray
Almighty, perfect, and true God, I thank You for absolute truth. I thank You that You are a God who has proved over and over that You are indeed the only and true God! Help me not to be tossed with every doctrine and idea of men. Help me to seek out and be rooted and grounded in You so that I may be prepared in Your gospel. I know that I need to be able to share my faith and defend it so that others may see that You are truth and not just a fad or “religion”. I want to know You more and go deeper with You, no matter the cost. I love You Lord because You first loved me. Thank You for Your Grace! In Jesus name I come, Amen.
