Be Prepared

Good Morning,

1 Peter 3:13-16 (NIV)
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

This morning we read words written by Peter reminding us that we should, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

So, exactly why, do you think, would anyone ask you to give a reason for the hope that you have? Well, it's my humble opinion that people will ask when we heed the words that Peter wrote just before his reminder to be prepared. You see, if we are indeed "eager to do good" I think that people will wonder as to why we are so eager to do good. They will wonder because it isn't normal in this world to be so eager to help out and do good. Not when we've been taught to be part of the "me first" society in which we live.

Here we read just one reason that we should look for ways to help people and to live our lives in search of how we can truly do good in our world. If we are going about searching for ways to "do good" people will notice...believe me. And there are so many ways, so many simple and easy ways, that we can do good. We can start by looking more closely toward our families and friends. Surely we can see ways that we can do good to help those we care about, can't we? Then, perhaps we might look a bit beyond family and friends to our brothers and sisters with whom we share our worship on Saturday or Sunday in our local congregation. That can't be too difficult, can it? Now, here is where we sort of "branch out" beyond those who might know Christ. How about if we walk our local neighborhood and see where we might do something good for someone who has some need or other? Then, beyond our neighborhood, what if we just look for ways to help and assist people we see as we do our work or shop in the grocery? You see, if we start where it's easy to do good...family, friends, and church community...it becomes easier, and maybe even a habit, to see where we can be doing good for those who don't know Jesus. A simple progression of our actions as we live our everyday lives.

Then, as people ask us why we're different and going about looking for good to do, we must be ready...just as Peter says...to give the reason for our hope: Jesus Christ and God's plan of salvation. Then, to take it further and understand these verses a bit more, we must give our reason "with gentleness and respect." You see, it isn't necessary to hit anyone over the head with a 20 pound Bible! It isn't necessary to preach "hell fire and brimstone" as we talk to people. It isn't necessary to point out the sin we might see at that time. No, all that is necessary is the fact that we are sharing God's love for mankind, doing good things as we live our lives, and then simply presenting our reason for doing so. The rest is up to God. We can't convince people of something they might not wish to be convinced of; that is the job of the Holy Spirit. I think I'll leave that to Him. Last I looked, He's much better than I to do that particular job!

Do good. Be prepared to give the reason. Do it with respect. Do it gently. Leave the rest to God.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David