“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
Be Prepared
I was never a girl scout. Even though I never was a scout, I admire the idea of the motto of the boy scouts and girl scouts, “Be Prepared”. I’m a list maker and find great joy in checking things off one by one as I complete tasks. An organized drawer or closet brings delight to my heart.
An Attitude of the Heart
However, being prepared is not just about being organized or listing and checking off tasks. It is about an attitude of the heart. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ the Lord. Always be prepared…” In our hearts. In our mind, will and emotions. We are to revere Christ as LORD.
Lord, meaning having power and authority. When we make Jesus the Lord of our lives, He has the power and authority over our decision making and reactions to stress.
A Stressful Season
Every year, I realize more and more that the Christmas season is stressful. It is chaotic and expensive and puts people on edge. When I don’t prepare my heart and mind for the season, I set myself up to fail at Christ-centeredness during December.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8
The ant prepares for seasonal changes, and so should we. This is wisdom. Being wise is often linked with being prepared.
Packing a Suitcase
I don’t go on vacation very often. When I do, I make multiple packing lists: clothes, toiletries, entertainment, food, etc. Invariably, when I have the suitcase open on the bed, I remember something that I forgot earlier.
This month, I am picturing that suitcase sitting on the bed. What will I take with me into the next season? What can I pack ahead of time to help me choose Christ-like attitudes and responses during the stress and chaos of Christmas?
The Right Stuff
This month is about getting our minds and hearts packed up with the right stuff to endure and keep Christ as Lord during Advent. It is about making sure we have the armor of God ready to put on daily and the fruit of the Spirit spilling out of us to those around us.
What are you going to pack in your suitcase?
Choose a few things to focus on this season:
Belt of Truth – Make a commitment to honesty and truth before uncomfortable situations arise.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13
Breastplate of Righteousness – Remember that our righteousness is through Jesus and not all we accomplish.
“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:21-24
Shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace – Choose peace when tempted to argue.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
Shield of Faith – When the world begins to focus on Santa and elves, let’s keep our focus on the true meaning of the season: belief in Jesus!
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Helmet of Salvation – Set your mind on the things of the Spirit.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2
Sword of the Spirit – Stay in the Word of God all throughout Advent.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Love – Let’s decide ahead of time that when we are waiting in long lines, cut off in traffic, or frazzled with cookie baking and gift wrapping that we will respond with love.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Joy – Choose joy in the small moments and long days preparing for Christmas.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4
Patience – Take a breath when things get frustrating and bear with others patiently.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:4
Kindness – Decide in advance to speak with kindness no matter how someone else speaks to you.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26
Goodness – It can be tempting to unleash our stress on those closest to us, but this year let’s be proactive about doing good to them instead.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
Faithfulness – It may seem like we only have little things, but if we are faithful in them, it is a big thing to God.
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Gentleness – A softness and gentleness in our responses and answers is so important in a season that has grown louder and flashier every year.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5
Self-Control – If you’ve ever been Black Friday shopping, you have probably seen a massive lack of self-control. We need to stand out in a world without self-control.
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Gratitude – Gratitude literally ushers us into God’s Presence, the most important place to be during this hectic season.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4
Action Step:
It is too hard to focus on all these things at once. Today, choose three at the most to pack in your suitcase of life for the season. What will you pack in your heart and mind?
We’d also love to hear on Facebook or Instagram what you chose to pack! Join in the conversation on the Devotion in Action page.
Let’s ask God to help us as we get ready for this year’s advent season.
Prayer:
Dear God, We want to live Christ-centered lives during the rest of this year. Help us to choose the right things to set our minds on as we enter advent. Guide and direct us as set our hearts and minds on You. We want to stay faithful to You no matter how stressful the season may become. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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