Always be Prepared

It’s been established that I have become a Gunsmoke junky.  Every evening my husband and I watch the Dodge City sagas, and marvel at how Marshall Dillon is always ready, and armed to protect and defend the town.  A scuffle down at the Longbranch; there he is.  Scallywags running amuck at the livery, no problem, he’s got it covered.  You might say, it’s his job, and well it is, but I think he loves the town and its inhabitants, and that motivates him to serve joyfully. When you care about something deeply, you can’t help yourself from keeping it safe, and telling other people about it.  Now, apply that line of thought to your faith.  Are you, like Marshall Dillon, ready, equipped and joyfully prepared to protect, and promote what you love?  When I’ve asked this question, to some people, they answer that their faith is private, and they don’t talk about it.  Who doesn’t want to discuss, and share what you’re passionate about?  Grandkids; need I say more?  Peter knew what it meant to be a Marshall, sometimes with too much zeal, but he writes to us this encouraging message.  “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15.  Non-believers, or lackadaisical Christians, are out there, and they will want an answer from you, about why you believe.  God has given us the badge, the joy, and the authority to protect and defend His kingdom.  Are you armed and prepared, it‘s our duty?