Are You Ready?
Most of us understand the importance of being ready, of being prepared. In the workplace, if one is not ready to do his job, he’s going to be in trouble with the boss. In school, if a student is not ready to work hard, he’s going to fall behind in his grades. If the players on a ball team are not ready to play, they’re probably going to get beat. Doesn’t the same principle apply to our service to God? 2 Corinthians 8:19 speaks of those who had a “ready mind.” Is that what we have? If we’re not ready, if we’re not prepared to do the things that please Him, then the consequences will be far more serious. Take the following test to see just how ready you are.
1. Are you ready to receive God’s word? “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
2. Are you ready for every good work? “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1).
3. Are you ready to give, to share the material things you have? “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18).
4. Are you ready to sacrifice for the Lord, even your own life if necessary? “Then Paul answered, ‘What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus’” (Acts 21:13).
5. Are you ready to give a defense, a reason for the hope that is in you? “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” (1 Peter 3:15).
6. Are you ready to teach others the word of God? “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).
7. Are you ready for the Lord’s return? “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40).