Are we ready for action?

Can you tell that one of the many things God has been speaking to my heart lately is related to action? I blogged about actions speaking louder than words last week, and Monday, while reading through 1 Peter, I just couldn't get past the number of verses in that short little book that deal with being alert and prepared for action.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."
- 1 Peter 1:13

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action..." This introductory portion of the verse stayed on my mind as I continued reading. Our goal as Christians should be to live active lives focused on Christ and spreading His gospel, but Peter continually cautions us that such a lifestyle requires focus and preparation.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
- 1 Peter 3:15-16

This is probably by far the biggest action we need to be prepared for. We should always be prepared to tell others about Jesus and share what he has done in our lives. Sadly, this is an area where I don't feel like I am adequately prepared. I am certainly trying to become better prepared to explain the gospel to those who don't understand it and answer their questions, but I still feel largely inadequate for the task. The biggest issue here, and I am fully aware of it, is that I don't practice nearly enough. The more I witness, the easier it will be to speak up and to know what to say.

Peter also constantly drives home the concept of remaining focused and self-controlled.

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."
- 1 Peter 4:7

In our crazy busy society, it is depressingly easy to get so wrapped up in the noise and the chaos that we don't allow our minds even a few precious moments to stop and be quiet before the Lord. How are we supposed to hear God's voice and listen to the Spirit's promptings if we won't even take the time to listen? And trust me, I am totally preaching to myself when I say this and ask these questions.

Perhaps now more than ever before, it is vitally important that we learn to focus and stay clear minded so that we can hear God and truly engage in conversation with Him in prayer. If we allow the craziness of this world to fog and pollute our minds, we won't be nearly as effective in our walks with Christ as we need to be. Our minds need to be cleared and focused on the Lord.

Remaining self-controlled is also important. We need to live disciplined lives centered around Christ, not careless lives open to temptation or reckless indulgence. A vital part of our preparation as active Christians needs to consist of regular, disciplined times with the Lord in His presence, His Word, and in prayer.

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
- 1 Peter 5:8

Yet another reason we need to be alert, focused, and self-controlled. Satan wants nothing more than to cause us to stumble and render us ineffective. Unfortunately, I believe we often make his job incredibly easy by staying so distracted that he doesn't even have to go to great lengths to injure our effectiveness.

These verses have caused me to pause a moment and really evaluate my life. Am I really focused on centering all of my life around Christ and being ready for action at any time? Am I staying disciplined and alert so that am not quite as easily led astray? Or am I allowing myself to be distracted, ill-prepared, and unfocused? Just some of the many thoughts that have been rattling around in my mind lately...