Be Prepared
Scripture
Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
So
stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my
return. (Matthew 25:13 NLT)
At the young age of twelve, I joined the Boy Scout
Troop 28 in Montgomery, Pa. My first duty was to learn the scout law that says,
“A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” My next step as a tenderfoot
was to learn the scout oath or promise: “On my honor I will do my best to do my
duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at
all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally
straight.” The thing that stuck with me through all the years of my life was
the Scout motto: “Be prepared.” This motto has a twofold meaning: (1) be
prepared in mind by disciplining yourself to be obedient to every order and (2)
be prepared in body by making yourself strong and active. This same philosophy
was drilled into me while serving in the military.
The same
principles can be carried over into our daily walk as Christians. Believers
need to be prepared and expect opposition to the gospel of Christ. Satan has
his share of deceitful workers, false teachers and prophets that spread lies about
the person and work of Jesus Christ. The foundation of Scripture is being
attacked daily by atheistic groups, agnostics, evolutionists, main line media,
and university professors of all shapes and sizes. The exponents of the social
gospel deny the biblical truths of the virgin birth and infallibility of the
word of God, and have replaced it with their own brand of “feel good”
philosophy. It is important for believers to maintain a strong stand for the
truth.
I am
reminded of David’s flight through the wilderness with King Saul hot on his
trail to find and execute him. He had to be prepared physically and mentally to
face the ever present dangers. He knew that if King Saul captured him it meant
sure death. He had at his right hand six hundred loyal dedicated men who were
willing to lay down their lives for their future king.
Believers
can take courage in the fact that Jesus Christ gave his life as a ransom for
our redemption. When opposition comes we can take refuge in him knowing he will
never leave us or forsake us.
Preparing
ourselves to be physically strong and mentally alert is profitable, but as Paul
tells young Timothy, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is
much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Tim.
4:8 NLT)
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us a believers to be
properly prepared for the life you expect us to live.
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