Are You Ready?

STORY: Ready to Be Good

I just finished binge-watching the TV series called The Little Couple. Have you ever followed a series all the way through and watched the last show available without realizing it? That happened to me with The Little Couple and now I’m left waiting…waiting…waiting for that next episode. Hurry up already!

One thing I like about the show is how their young adopted son, Will, learned in his Chinese orphanage to be ready to change his behavior. They taught him sign language for “ready.” After sitting in time-out, they asked him, “Will, are you ready?” That meant, are you ready to be a good boy again? Have you learned your lesson? When Will was ready to apologize or to get over his tantrum, he gave them the sign for “ready.”

I wonder how many times God has asked me if I’m ready? Since this is the start of a new series, I researched Scripture to see how many times the word is used. In the New Living Translation, “ready” is found in 123 verses. So it must be an important concept. We’ll explore what the Bible says about being ready over the next few months.

STUDY: Ready for Service

Purified and Ready for Use

We have also recovered all the items discarded by King Ahaz when he was unfaithful and closed the Temple. They are now in front of the altar of the Lord, purified and ready for use. (2 Chronicles 29:19 NLT)

• The recovered Temple items were placed in front of the Lord’s altar and were declared what?
• Is there anything in your life that needs to be purified so you can place yourself on the altar of the Lord, ready for use?

She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good? (1 Timothy 5:10 NLT)

• This verse is actually addressing widows. But I find it to be a good list to which all of us can aspire. What are some of the good traits mentioned?
• Ask yourself the questions found here, especially, “Have you always been ready to do good?” Most of us would have to say “no” because we have good intentions but sometimes we don’t follow through with those good intentions. How can we change that?

Do What is Good

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. (1 Timothy 6:18 NLT)

• Paul encouraged Timothy to motivate others to use their money “to do good.” But his description of being rich is not so much about money. How should we be rich?
• What is our “be ready” instruction in this passage?

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. (Titus 3:1 NLT)

• What action often prepares us in being ready to do what is good?
• Why is it we bristle against that word? How can we joyfully enter into it?

Be Prepared to Tell Your Story

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. (1 Peter 3:15 NLT)

• This is one of my favorite verses in Scripture. Read it in several versions of the Bible. What stands out to you?
• If we worship Christ as Lord (master of everything in our lives) then we shine hope on others and they ask us about it. When that happens, how will you be ready to explain it? If in doubt, simply tell your story.
   

STEPS: Ready People Stay Ready

1. Learn something new every day. Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15 NLT)
2. Memorize God’s Word so you’re ready to share it with others. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. (Proverbs 22:18 NLT)
3. Be on the lookout for others in need, so you can go to their rescue. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13 NLT)
4. Be ready for mature spiritual growth—don’t stay a baby! I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, (1 Corinthians 3:2 NLT)
5. Get cleaned up from the inside out. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21 NLT)

Copyright 2016 Kathy Carlton Willis. Used by permission.