Ephesians 6:15

and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

(v15, NIV)

There are even shoes among the pieces of the armor of God. Soldiers don't go into battle with just any kind of footwear. Could you imagine a soldier going into battle wearing flip flops? It may be even harder to imagine one without any shoes at all. Or maybe he's wearing one of those really big poofy comfy slippers; perhaps made to look like Homer Simpson's face. Regardless, the shoes a soldier wears is fairly important. Shoes provide traction when traveling on your feet. They also protect your feet from the weather and possible harm.

What's interesting about this piece of equipment is that it's made for doing something. With a piece of equipment like the breastplate, it's not as closely related to an action as the shoes. The shoes are worn on your feet. Your feet are made for taking you places. This piece of armor is the readiness to do with the gospel what Christians do with the gospel. What do Christians do with the gospel? They share it! This means that we need to be ready to speak up for Jesus. This doesn't mean that we jam the gospel down people's throats. However, we mustn't back down or cower away from an obvious opportunity to share with a hungry heart for the gospel.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

(1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

This is what we are to do. We should be prepared to give an answer when people ask. What happens when we're not prepared? What happens when we're too ashamed to speak up for Jesus when the opportunity arises? Well, I find myself consumed with a missed opportunity. There is regret for not saying what I should have said. I feel ashamed for not sticking up for Jesus. The readiness of the gospel protects us from feeling ashamed or regret for not sharing the gospel.