Armor of God - Feet Fitted with Readiness

We are to put on the full armor of God, so that we may be able to stand our ground when the day of evil comes (Ephesians 6:13).  To be able to stand firm, one of the things we need is "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15).  Take note that source of readiness is the gospel of peace, and there seem to be several aspects of readiness.

1. be ready to be with the Lord

Our blessed hope is the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13) and the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2).  Part of the good news is that our Lord Jesus will return as he promised.  However, as we learn from the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), we need to be ready as we do not know the exact time.

We have to make sure we have a right standing with God:

• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]
• Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. [1 Timothy 4:16]
• Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. [2 Corinthians 13:5]

2. be ready to do good and to share the gospel

• For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do....Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. [Ephesians 2:10; 5:15-17]
• Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. [1 Timothy 4:2]
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. [1 Peter 3:15]

3. be ready for spiritual attack

Being at peace with God means that the devil considers us as his enemy.  As the Lord Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.  As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  That is why the world hates you." [John 15:19]

If you are a solider in the battlefield, you know that the enemy can attack you without any warning.  In his idle time, King David did not keep his lustful eyes in check and he ended up sinning with Bathseba (2 Samuel 11:1-5). We likewise cannot be complacent: 

• So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. [1 Corinthians 10:13]
• Be self-controlled an alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. [1 Peter 5:8-9]