Always Be Prepared

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere 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.

Before we get into today’s devotional – just an update on the poll we took a few days ago. So far 24 people have responded and 23 of them said they are following the Orioles! Only one voted otherwise – and that was a vote for – I don’t follow baseball. No one voted for another team – which is surprising to some degree. On a side note but still on the subject of baseball and the Orioles – I had to upgrade my Xfinity TV package to their ultimate package in order to get MASN sports – and I’m not happy about it.

On with the devotional thought. I often encourage us to witness our faith. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ to the world around us – 2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. We are also called to a royal priesthood – 1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Both of these calls on our lives – calls us to witness our faith. There are other passages that encourage us to witness our faith. Here’s today’s passage in partial context. 1 Peter 3:8-17 – ⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. ⁹ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ¹⁰ For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. ¹¹ They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. ¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” ¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵ But in your hearts revere 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, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

We never know when God will give us an opportunity to witness our faith. We could be at the grocery store and we feel the urge or have the opportunity to pray with someone or simply encourage someone – with a God bless you. It could be sitting in the stands watching our children or grandchildren playing sports. Another opportunity could come simply holding a door for someone and telling them to have a blessed day. There may be opportunities to share your faith with someone – a family member or not. Are we prepared for these and other opportunities?

If we aren’t ready – we need to get ready – because we are called – to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Just something to think about today as we go on our way!