Be Prepared: Living for Christ

Bible Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

 

In 1907, Baden-Powell, an English soldier, devised the Scout motto: Be Prepared.  His idea was that Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and strong leaders, and to bring joy to others.  He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges await him.  In September 2025, God enabled us to attend our first granddaughter’s Eagle Court of Honour.

 

The Scout motto, ‘Be Prepared,’ challenged me because it beautifully depicts a believer’s life. 

 

‘Be Prepared’ reminds us to be ready for challenges, service, and responsibility.  Jesus uses the same idea when He calls His followers to be spiritually prepared, not just for emergencies, but for everyday faithfulness.

 

Being prepared for Christ begins in the heart.  We can only prepare our hearts through prayer, reading, and meditating on God’s Word, and choosing obedience to the Word even when it is difficult.  A Christian grows through daily discipline with God.

 

Preparation also means being ready to serve others.  Jesus lived a life of service, always attentive to people in need.  A prepared Christian keeps eyes open, hands willing, and a heart ready to act with compassion.

 

Finally, being prepared means living with an eternal perspective.  

 

We do not know when Christ will return, but we know how He calls us to live—faithfully, lovingly, and obediently.  As believers, we are not only to be ready to meet the challenges of this life but also to receive Christ with spiritual readiness.  The Bible tells us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked.  Also, visit the sick and those in prison because the Bible says whatever we do to the least of these, we do to the Lord Himself.   

 

My friend, in this New Year, let us consciously develop spiritual discipline.  It needs sacrifice.  Living for Christ means the Word of God should shape our hearts, prayer should shape our conscience, and our will should be surrendered to God.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to live a life prepared to do Your will, rooted in Your Word, attentive to the needs of others, and faithful every moment.  Teach me to be ready, not with fear, but with trust and obedience.  Amen.

 

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