"Be Prepared"

“Be Prepared”

For three years during the mid-1950’s I was a member of Boy Scout Troop #343 in Massapequa Park, NY. While I enjoyed my experience I wasn’t as “gung-ho” for advancement as were some of my fellow troop members so didn’t move beyond Second Class. I can still recite the Scout Oath and Law (mostly correctly) but what I remember best is the Motto: “Be Prepared”. This is the most lasting influence my time as a Scout has had on my life—the advice and challenge have served me well.

My close friend Larry spent twelve years as a navy aviator and about thirty more as a commercial airline pilot. During his career he’s made countless safe flights. But he’s regularly required to requalify in his company’s simulator to keep his skills sharp. In this testing he’s confronted with unusual circumstances, such as loss of engine power, electrical failure and computer glitches to see how he responds under emergency conditions. Most of them never have occurred in his real world (and likely never will) but his airline takes “Be Prepared” seriously.

According to a 2017 survey only 27% of law enforcements officers fire their weapons during their career. Nevertheless they must periodically qualify on their Department’s target range so they’re ready to defend themselves and the public if necessary. Again, “Be Prepared” is an integral part of police work.

Our Lord’s brother reminds us that “…you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” (James 4:14). Accordingly, Paul tells his young co-worker, “…Be prepared in season and out of season….” (2 Timothy 4:2, emphasis added). Further, Peter admonishes us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15, emphasis added). But how can we make ourselves ready for the unexpected wrinkles that come our way? The answer is to know what the Scriptures say (remember this is how Jesus dealt with Satan during His temptation). Of course, we won’t be able to immediately answer every question put to us (and be assured no one will come up with the one that brings Christianity crashing down). But as we ask for God’s help (as Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 2:4-5) “At that time you will be given what to say….” (Matthew 10:19). Take Him at His word—He’s faithful and will give “…grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan