Prepare to Engage

Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:18 (NLT)

Last week, we began to examine our options as we confront the forces of evil comprised of the world, Satan, our adversary, and our fleshly nature. In last week’s article, Resistance Is Not Futile, we learned that our choices include assimilation, that is, conforming to the ways of this world. Or do we attempt to isolate ourselves from the world? Or finally, we can choose to stand firm and resist the pressures we face.

Assuming that we are willing to accept our commission to engage this world for the cause of Jesus Christ and the gospel, what do we need to do to prepare ourselves and others, to emerge victorious in the struggle?

If you are still with me, I presume that you have decided to stand firm with Christ. If this is the case, it would be wise to learn what we can do to succeed. We know that Jesus told us that he would never leave us. He promised to be with us always. Even so, Jesus warned us that many would lose their love and fervency for him. Jesus prayed for us, but what must we do to withstand the assault we face?

We must withstand the temptation to be drawn into this world’s system or to conform to the world’s way of doing things. Secondly, we have been commissioned to rescue as many as possible. We cannot do this in our own strength. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us that we will be able to achieve our mission. The Scriptures instruct us on how we are to live in this world.

How Should We Prepare?

Every worthwhile endeavor in life requires preparation. Because we are inhabitants of this world, we understand that we must be educated fundamentally in reading and writing, mathematics, history, the sciences, etc. This is followed by more specialized education and study in our chosen field of work. We all understand the concept of preparation for our life’s work. How do we prepare for interacting with this world’s system and values?

As believers, we are to anticipate Christ’s return and wait with eagerness to see our Savior face to face. But our enemy and this world system are fashioned to discourage us and distract us. Satan has multiple resources and tools to defeat us.

Remember that Paul reminded us that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. He wants to discourage us with tests and trials, causing us to become weary. While at other times, he will lull us to sleep by making us comfortable and unaware of our surroundings and situation.

One of our goals is to be ready when Jesus returns. In this parable, Jesus tells us how we are to be: Keep your shirts on; keep the lights on! Be like house servants waiting for their master to come back from his honeymoon, awake and ready to open the door when he arrives and knocks. Luke 12:35-36 (The Message)

Don’t fall asleep

Since our goal is to be ready when Jesus comes again, we do not want to get caught by surprise. We are of the day and not of the darkness. We must be careful and not be surprised. Here is what Paul said to the Thessalonians in Chapter 5.

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.  So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 (NLT)

Stay in the Game

Happy are those servants whom the master finds fulfilling their responsibilities when he comes. Matthew 24:46 (CEB)

In sporting events governed by a clock, such as football or basketball, it is not unusual for a team with the lead to “sit on the ball” or “run out the clock.” It can sometimes be an effective strategy in sports, but it can lead to complacency.

Spiritually the same thing can happen when we go through battles with the enemy. Our alertness is increased, but when we have times of peace and prosperity, we tend to relax and forget that we have an enemy who goes about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. Listen to what Paul wrote to the Romans:

But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. Romans 13:11-12 (The Message)

We must guard against looking at our “spiritual clock” in our Christian lives and remain busy doing the Master’s work.

Focus on the essentials

As part of our preparation, we must ask ourselves, what are the essential things? Obviously, many things can distract and even amuse us, but what must we do to be prepared to be in this world but not of it? Jude reminds us of several things:

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 20-21 (NLT)

Paul said, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.” We must do the things that build each other up in our faith. We must have an anticipation of seeing Jesus. And we must be fervent in prayer. We must focus on what is essential to reaching our goal.

Jesus has given us a mission. When we accept his mission, we must prepare ourselves to engage this world for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Steve Ekeroth

 

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