Be Prepared

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)

I used to be a Cub Scout and then a Scout and so the motto ‘Be Prepared’ was drummed into me and I still like to think that my tool box is equipped for practically any DIY eventuality! Peter also wants me to be prepared if someone asks me about my faith. One of the ways I’ve tried to do that over the years is have an outline of the Good News in my head, and I think it’s especially relevant at this time of the year. See what you think.

1. Christmas tells me that I’m more special than I could ever have known – God could take on human flesh without compromising being God. Being human is to be special to God.
2. But it also reminds me that I need saving from sin. I am more guilty than I could have realised. Mary’s baby was named Jesus because he came to save me from my sin.
3. It tells me that I am more loved than I could ever have dreamt. Christmas leads to Easter and in his death for me the full extent of God’s love for me was shown.
4. I therefore have a future more glorious than I could ever have imagined.

Well, that’s one of the ways I try to keep myself prepared. How about you? But however we prepare ourselves, it’s not so much about winning arguments with people, it’s about being winsome as a person – that’s the gentleness and respect bit.
Prayer: Lord of our hearts, as opportunities present themselves to Talk Jesus, fill us with your Spirit as we seek to answer with gentleness and respect. Amen.