“Be prepared” has long been the slogan of the Boy Scouts of America. This is good advice and implies we should think ahead of what may happen and be ready to help in any situation.
I am not sure the Boy Scouts intended this slogan to be in accord with the New Testament, but it is. I Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” The context of this scripture is regarding those who persecute you and even revile you. It goes on to describe how Jesus was reviled.
Also consider Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Before this verse Paul asks Christians to pray for an open door for him to preach the Gospel. It is very appropriate for us to pray for ourselves and others to have such opportunities.
Here Paul reminds us that our time here is limited. We need to have answers ready for those who ask.
However, let us consider the other side of this equation. We must ask ourselves, “Am I living such that anyone would ask me these questions? How do I appear to those around me like those at work or my neighbors?” Has anyone asked us about spiritual matters lately? Are we just one of the guys/gals around others or do we live and talk in a way that others can notice a difference?
We need to walk in the Light. When the Bible speaks of walking, it usually means living. How we live tells others what is in our hearts. John tells us in I John 1:7, “If we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.”
Further, how will the people know we are Christians? John 13:35 says, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Dave Benner
