Always be Prepared
Always Be Prepared
The kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take olive oil with them. (Matt. 25:1–3)
Oil in My Lamp
A song often introduced to kids in Sunday school or VBS a generation ago included the lyrics, “Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning,” based on Jesus’ story of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25. A wise man will take every step to be prepared for whatever situation he expects to face. It may be your wife’s honey-do list: before you paint the walls, cover the old paint with a good coat of primer. It may be your own spring tasks: before you crank up the lawn mower, be sure to change the oil and sharpen the blade. Good preparation is a must in many areas of life.
Ready in My Life
The principle of the Boy Scout motto—“Be prepared”—serves us well as grown men. And some of our best preparation comes from being spiritually sharp to face whatever curveballs could be coming across your plate.
Strive to spend some time in God’s Word every day. Pray about the needs in your life, your family, your church, and your workplace, taking your concerns to Him and receiving His calming perspective. Seek to cultivate relationships that encourage you to grow in your faith. Faithfully doing these things can strengthen you for the tough challenges that will come sooner or later.
Bottom Line
Start applying the disciplines that will help you be spiritually prepared for whatever life brings your way.