Be ready

Pastor Jon Enter

As a Christian, you’ll stick out when you don’t bash Jessica in office gossip, when you don’t mock Randy’s new fashion disaster, when you don’t join the guys at the gentlemen’s club because true gentlemen don’t go there.

You can simply say, “I’m not comfortable with that.” And then be ready. Someone might say, “Why?” And you can be like Peter.

Peter was a pastor who learned personally from Jesus basically every day for a couple of years. He gives this guidance: “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” (1 Peter 3:15). Notice Peter doesn’t say be ready to pick a fight. There are times for that. That’s reserved for times when people are unapologetic in sin. But in this case, when someone’s engaged you by asking why you live the way you live, don’t be confrontational. Share the reason for the hope you have. Tell that person why you live differently. The answer is Jesus.

Jesus changes everything. His death on a cross changes everything. His conquering the grave changes everything. His preparing a place for you in heaven changes everything. Because of Jesus’ incredible love, you value what Jesus values.

Guess what else Jesus values? Jesus values the person who asks you, “Why?” So be ready to tell about the hope that you have. Be ready to tell about Jesus.

Devotion used by permission of Time of Grace®. For more information, visit timeofgrace.org