Be Prepared

As a youth I was excited to join the Boy Scouts and learn the motto: “Be Prepared.” In 1907, Baden-Powell, an English soldier, devised the Scout motto: and said it meant “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.” Good, no, great idea. By spending time as Scouts, young people learn to handle almost anything life puts in front of them.

To flesh out the idea it is good to always have a contingency plan, a backup plan as to what to do in the event of an unpredictable circumstance. Make a mental list of plans of action in the event needs arise. Be prepared.

Scouting has a plan for young boys to earn merit badges. These are things they must merit regarding First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Communication, and Cooking.

I remember earning the final of twenty-one required to become an Eagle Scout. I went further and earned three Palms. It was a big deal.

Consider these things to prepare for should a sudden need arise: a house fire, a significant accident or sickness, an unexpected financial emergency, or a death.

Shift gears and make a spiritual application of the motto “Be Prepared.” Think of contingencies needed in your spiritual life.

There is the inevitable, the spiritual contingency regarding death. What arrangement do you need to make in order to be prepared in the event a close loved one dies? Push this train of thought regarding your own life. What do you need to do in that event? Do you have a will? Regardless of your age a will is needed. Some even plan their funeral, pick out a casket, is cremation an option, and select participants to participate in your funeral. Do it and put it behind you.

There is a TV ad sponsored by the government regarding travel abroad. It relates principally to drug laws. The theme: “Know before you go.” Apply that to your death. Do you know where you would go if you were to die today? That is the ultimate for which you should be prepared. Sincere steps you should take in order to be prepared are: make an earnest request of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and the gift of new life followed by a loving commitment to Jesus as Savior. I repeat “know before you go” and “be prepared.”

Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14: 3). Are you prepared for that prepared place?