Two qualities we must have in order
to succeed are respect and preparation. It does not matter what you are trying
to accomplish - these qualities are a must. Since the Super Bowl is right upon
us, let us take football as an example.
In order to succeed in football,
you need to first and foremost have respect for the game. After all, you did
not create the game, did you? An athlete might think, “We could win if I threw
this ball forward after the catch”. Even though he thinks this, it does not
mean it works. In the end, if he throws the ball forward after the catch the
team will be penalized. Respect is needed to succeed in football.
Preparation is the second quality
needed. As fans, we all too often insult players for their “bad plays”. We say
things like, “Come on! I could’ve made that tackle!”, but if we’re honest with
ourselves we really couldn’t “make that tackle.” Why? Because we have not
prepared like an athlete has. Preparation is a key to any success we wish to have.
Are we here to talk about football?
No, but it does illustrate a key principle in our Christian walk. How many
times have we gotten in a “spiritual argument” with someone and neglected to quote
or reference one text from scripture to solidify our point? We have all heard
or participated in these self-authoritative arguments before, haven’t we? The problem
with this debating technique is threefold: 1. It shows lack of respect for
God’s word as the authority (we have become the authority). 2. It shows lack of
preparation from God’s word on our par.t 3. It is entirely ineffective in
winnings souls to Christ.
Instead, our lives need to convey
what Peter was saying in 1 Peter 4:11, “Whoever speaks, is
to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is
to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that
in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the
glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
As Christians, we
must respect God’s word for what it is, the authority over our lives (e.g. 2
Timothy 3:16-17). If it is the authority over our lives that means it no longer
matters what “I think” or what “I say.” The question becomes how do we live and
speak with a proper respect for God’s authority? The answer is preparation.
Peter earlier said, “…sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being
ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the
hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” (1 Peter 3:15).
The point is that
we need to get back to God’s word. As Christians, our response to those
questioning our doctrines mustn’t be, “well I think”, or “that’s what my
preacher says,” or “this is what our church teaches.” We need to have a proper
respect and work ethic in regards to God’s word. Imagine the impact there would
be if every Christian gave a scriptural reference or quotation when defending
the faith! Respect and preparation shown through our words or actions will silence
the onslaught of nitpickers (e.g. Titus 2:8), and glorify our God in heaven (e.g.
1 Peter 4:11). So let us respect God’s word, and prepare our minds with His
teachings!
