Every Boy Scout memorizes a few important principles very early on: The Scout Law, The Scout Slogan and the Scout Motto. The Scout Law emphasizes character traits that scouts should exemplify, like honesty, reverence and kindness. The Scout Slogan is a practical reminder to be others-focused, to “Do a good turn daily”. But probably most memorable, and the most easily recognized by those outside of the scouting world, is the Motto:
The Scout Motto is BE PREPARED. A Scout prepares for whatever comes his way by learning all he can. He keeps himself strong, healthy, and ready to meet the challenges of life.
The Boy Scout Handbook
Be Prepared. It’s either a great lesson, or it can be a discouraging defeat. Life is filled with all kinds of people; some who are hyper-alert to everything around them, some who are lackadaisical, some who wish they were able to be better prepared but seem constantly behind the curve. Some people seem to have their entire future mapped out. Others respond to life as it comes, never knowing what tomorrow holds in store.
You can heave a sigh of relief. Scripture doesn’t side with one personality type or another. We are told to give no thought for what tomorrow may bring (Matthew 6:25-34Matthew 6:25-34
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
Worry
25 I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing?
26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds?
27 Can worry make you live longer? f live longer: Or “grow taller.”
28 Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don't work hard to make their clothes.
29 But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth g Solomon with all his wealth: The Jewish people thought that Solomon was the richest person who had ever lived. wasn't as well clothed as one of them.
30 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith?
31 Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?”
32 Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these.
33 But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
34 Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
WP-Bible plugin), and at the same time are advised to “decide beforehand” (2 Corinthians 9:72 Corinthians 9:7
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
7 Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give.
WP-Bible plugin). Being prepared doesn’t have to hit us as an accusation if we are naturally more inclined towards spontaneous action, nor as validation of the benefit of a natural tendency to be anxious and alert. But there is no excuse for not being prepared, when we have already been told what is coming.
Let’s look at this another way.
Someone who is hyper-attentive or anxious about the future might be inclined to always think that they are not ready for ministry. They don’t have the degree that is needed. They haven’t been in the particular counseling situation, haven’t been taught how to respond to a given question. They haven’t done the research. All of these become barriers to actually responding and serving when the opportunity arises. They may have the perfect background, been adequately educated or trained, or may just be in the right time and place. But they aren’t prepared spiritually or mentally.
On the other hand, someone who is too spontaneous in life, will not realize that there is an opportunity until it is too late to do something about it. They haven’t lived a life of prayer, and so are dull to God’s voice. They haven’t spent time in God’s word, wrestling with justice and mercy, love and authority. They didn’t consider the implications of their choices, so may be able to recount a lot of interesting experiences in their life, but are unable to piece together a coherent whole – to build upon this foundation. When the opportunity to comfort someone arises, it flies past unawares.
Being prepared is important. But it isn’t about having everything planned out on paper. It isn’t about having it all worked out, feeling unable to cope when God hasn’t spelled it out for us in advance. Being prepared is about readiness, to speak up, to trust, to do what is asked of us. Matthew 10:19Matthew 10:19
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
19 But when someone arrests you, don't worry about what you will say or how you will say it. At that time you will be given the words to say.
WP-Bible plugin makes this abundantly clear: But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:19Matthew 10:19
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
19 But when someone arrests you, don't worry about what you will say or how you will say it. At that time you will be given the words to say.
WP-Bible plugin NIV)
Notice what isn’t said: Give them a word study from the Greek. Or, Lecture them based on your seminary background. What is said? God will provide you the words. Just show up, ready to speak. Or, do. Whatever God asks of you, be prepared through prayer, study, faithful action in the past, and determined hope in the future. Be prepared.
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