Be Prepared

 "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 their threats; do not be frightened.” 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

— 1 Peter 3:13-17

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

"Be Prepared," is the Boy Scout's motto. As an Eagle Scout and as a former adult Scout leader, I've spent a lot of time learning and teaching how to be prepared. Peter is teaching his readers about preparedness. First, be prepared to do good and be prepared to suffer even when you do good. If you suffer for doing the right thing, you are blessed. Peter lived what he's preaching. Acts 5:40-41 describes how the apostles were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. Vs. 41, "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Peter rejoiced because he was blessed to suffer for Jesus' name. He didn't fear their threats. He wasn't frightened.

Second, be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give your reason for the hope you have in Jesus Christ as Lord. Moments will come when people will notice your hope and interrogate it. Statistics report widespread prevalence of hopelessness among young people. Real hope will stand out in stark contrast to the hopelessness surrounding it. When it does, some will want to know where you found it. Others will be offended by it and want to rip it away from you. I am to be prepared to give a thoughtful, reasoned, scriptural defense for my hope. And I am to do this with the qualities of gentleness and respect. My conscience needs to be clear—no hidden motives—so when those who slander me and spread lies about my behavior as a Christ-follower, they will be ashamed because everyone knows they are lying.

Lord Jesus, may I be prepared to suffer for Your Name. May I be prepared to defend my hope in You. May I be prepared to speak with gentleness and respect. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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