Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.
In many sports, you take a specific stance to show you are ready to play the game. A good baseball player will be in the outfield, watching the ball, ready to move in an instant. To be standing leisurely in the outfield, not paying attention to the game, would mean to miss opportunities to help your team or even miss playing the game entirely. It makes sense to us that an athlete needs to be prepared in this way, but we often don’t take the same approach in our faith.
What impact could you make if you were “ready for every good deed”? How would your life change if you looked to respect the authorities above you instead of only complaining about them? What family members would see the love of Christ if you were gentle and considerate to all people? This small step of simply living ready to serve the Lord at any moment can make a big and lasting impact. We have to be reminded of this often because we get distracted. Matthew 5:16 gives more insight about why we take this stance of readiness: “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” These good deeds are not aimed at status or personal gain: they reflect Christ to others and bring glory to God. It may feel insignificant to be ready to do good deeds for others, but this is an important way to prepare for the eternal work God is ready to do through you.
- What does it look like to be ready for every good work in your daily life?
- Who do you struggle to respect and be considerate of? How do these verses challenge you?
- Pray and ask God to work in your life and help prepare you to be ready to do every good work.
