EVERYTHING WE NEED: Be Prepared — Always

“…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” (I Peter 3:15 NIV1984). We who have the hope of eternal life, who are assured of God’s presence in our daily walk with Christ, should always be ready to share our faith with any who ask (or do not ask). However, it must be done in kindness and with respect if we want a listening ear.

Sadly, some claim to be Christians yet accuse and belittle those with opposing views or ungodly lifestyles. Many condemn such people to Hell without offering them the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ. How will such an approach make a lost person desire what Christians possess? Paul says, “Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse” (Rom. 12:14). God will hold those persons in account whose words and behavior are harsh.

Peter acknowledges in the previous verses that we could suffer for our testimony. Christians are already ridiculed, condemned and labeled with names that are untrue. Many have lost their jobs, been denied promotions and are often spurned. Christians in other countries face relentless persecution. We are all hated just as God is hated, but it should be a badge of honor worn humbly as being aligned with Christ.

Timothy shared these words: “…Be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction” (II Tim. 4:2). In other words, be ready to share your faith whether it is convenient or not. The Lord may open a door at the most inopportune time. Some people may not receive our message of hope, but its reception is not up to us. As the Apostle Paul said, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (I Cor. 3:6-7).We are simply instructed to “be prepared.”

Timothy also gave this instruction: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15). The KJV emphasizes the word “study.” Doing your best, or studying, involves effort. It is striving to not only know God’s Word but to be able to present it accurately.

We can all make mistakes when talking about the Bible. That is why we should be diligent in our study. And when we are wrong, we should be willing to make amends. When asked a difficult question, it is okay to say, “I don’t know the answer, but I will find out.”

Here are a few examples of Bible verses being inaccurately presented. While humorous, it does show the necessity of knowing your subject. Many years ago, a person spoke from this verse: “Brethren, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you” (I Peter 4:12).The subject became “fairy tales.” While the presentation was good, it was inaccurate.

Another time, I heard a person speaking on Psalm 1, one of my favorite chapters. Again, the presentation was good, but it was inaccurate regarding verse 4. “…They (the wicked) are like chaff that the wind blows away.” These words turned into “how the wind chaps our lips.”

One time, as I was discussing with a co-worker the problems caused by dating or marrying someone outside the faith, she agreed but then asked: “Doesn’t the Bible say something about ‘egg yolks?’” (II Cor. 6:14).

Reading the Bible and knowing the Bible is not the same. Study, be prepared and share your faith — always!