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Being Prepared

Standing Strong Means Being Prepared

By Dawson Simpson

MARK 13:32-33
“No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!”

The Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared.” Robert Baden-Powell, the English soldier who founded the Boy Scouts, wrote “You are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.”
On every camping trip, a scout’s level of enjoyment is based upon the level of his preparation. Scouts who did not bring their uniform, tent, sleeping bag had nothing short of a miserable time. The scouts who had come prepared with the necessary tools have the best experience at every camping activity.

Preparation means to be: Watchful, Awake, and Working.

A watchful life means that we are looking at the sky. Living a life with our eyes focused “vertically” will ensure that we are continually anticipating the return of Christ and living a life reflective of this anticipation.
In Luke 12, Jesus tells a parable about preparing for the second coming. The parable states that the master is coming at any moment to receive the attendees for the banquet. The master received all who were ready for his banquet feast with open arms. Those who were not fully ready did not receive the full blessing. Those who were not ready at all were condemned.

Being awake means that we are looking at the cross. Living a life with our eyes focused “horizontally” will ensure that we are continually learning and growing in our faith. This life requires that we are continually placing ourselves under Biblical teaching and discipleship.
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul states that we should mimic spiritual leadership that mimics Christ. When seeking mentors and leaders to disciple us, we should seek individuals that are showing overt evidence of Christ-like characteristics and knowledge of who Christ is.

A life of working means serving and discipling others. As we live a life of continual maturing and sanctification, we should become a living testimony of how God can transform a life to a reflection of Him.
In Matthew 28, Jesus says that we are to make disciples of all nations and teach all that He has commanded. He ends with this comforting phrase that He will indeed be with us until the end of the age. If we are doing the works of Christ, Christ is by our side every single step of the way.
Standing Strong through preparation means our anticipation to see Christ will grow, our reflection of Christ will grow, and the beauty of Christ will grow.

In the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis writes:
“Aslan” said Lucy “you’re bigger.”
“That is because you are older, little one,” answered he.
“Not because you are?”
“I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”

Scripture Readings:
Matthew 24:45-51
Luke 12: 13-21, 35-40

Worship Song:
“The Lion and the Lamb” by Big Daddy Weave