The HOPE of Preparedness
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The HOPE of Preparedness
This year, I've done something I normally don't do. I've made an early appointment with my mechanic to have our winter tires on our vehicles. Normally I procrastinate and wait until the first snowfall, then run around like everyone else, trying to find someone who can do it right away as we slip and slide around the roads. This year, no panic, no running around, no stress, just stroll into the shop on the appointed day, and voilà: winter tires on the vehicles, let the snow fly!
We can put off many things in life; waiting until winter arrives to put on snow tires doesn’t seem like the end of the world, but other things have more significant consequences. Putting off that visit to the dentist because the toothache suddenly seems better is generally not a good idea. Putting off a doctor’s visit to look at that strange lump can have life-altering consequences. But what about our spiritual life? Are we prepared for the hope we have? Not only are we saved and heaven our hope, but are we preparing now for our eternal destiny? The apostle Paul wrote to a young pastor sobering words: “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourselves for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:7-8). To "train" is to discipline ourselves. It is the practice of eternity while we are still here. It is developing that daily, intimate relationship with Jesus. It prepares us for the hope we have: an eternity in His presence, enjoying Him forever.
Many things can shift our focus away from the daily discipline of a godly life. As Paul mentioned, “have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.” We live in a world of constant information overload, visual stimulation, and online streaming that makes it difficult to shut off the never-ending advertisements, conspiracy theories, political rants, and things that fill our minds and waste our time. It takes spiritual discipline to shut that off and refocus on preparing for the hope that we have. We can limit screen time; we can be proactive in making advance appointments, but how are we preparing for the hope that we have? Let me suggest three simple, yet practical, activities to help us prepare for the hope that we have.
First, learn to shut off – the phone, the screen, the activities that rob our time and fill our minds. Second, learn to turn on – God’s Word and prayer as activities that help us develop spiritual disciplines. Most followers of Jesus would agree that they wish they had more time for these two activities. In the words of Star Trek’s Captain Picard: Make it so! Third, learn to practice – the hope we have by preparing for eternity comes through the community we share with other believers. Yes, some will rub us the wrong way, some are hard to love, but we are called the body for a reason. We need one another. We are strengthened and encouraged by one another; we lift up and support one another; we mourn with those that mourn and rejoice with those that rejoice, and more!
The hope of preparedness begins with that life-transforming encounter with Jesus that moves us from eternal death to eternal life. It continues as we develop that daily relationship with Jesus and fellow believers, rehearsing for eternity through body practice each day. This life is not the end; it continues in eternity!
Prepared for HOPE by practicing body life today!
Rev. Bill Allan, AGC President