1 Peter 3:15
“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
Aldous Huxley, well-known 20th century writer, philosopher and agnostic, once asked a man why he was a Christian. Caught off guard, the man replied, “But sir, you could demolish all my arguments in an instant. I’m not clever enough to argue with you.” Huxley replied, “I won’t argue with you. Just simply tell me what Christ means to you.” One doesn’t often receive such an open invitation to share “the hope that is in” us! Sadly, it would seem the gentleman failed when the offer was presented. If you found yourself in a similar situation, would you be prepared to respond to that sort of question?
We who have received this hope are called to share it with others and the lost won’t know that Jesus is the only hope unless it is evident in our words and actions. Our scripture verse for today states, “always being prepared to make a defense.” How can we be prepared? In 1989, I was privileged to be part of a mission team for our church at the time, that was headed to Scotland. Some very wise counsel was given by our pastor as he helped our team prepare. He advised us to always have three versions of our story—our “defense”—ready on short notice:
· A two-minute version that could be given on an elevator ride or for a radio interview.
· A five to ten-minute version that would be appropriate for a television interview.
· A twenty-minute testimony to be shared from the pulpit.
Though terrified at the mere thought of being in any of those situations, that wise counsel turned out to be some of the best advice I ever received. Not only was I prepared fully for the short conversations I had with folks over a cup of tea, I also felt comfortable in slightly larger venues. However, my comfort was pushed to a new level when, with just a few hours’ notice, I was informed that I was to be the main speaker behind the pulpit that very night—I nearly fainted from fright! But the fact that I was prepared allowed me to give a “defense of the hope that is within me” with confidence and anointing of the Holy Spirit, to His glory.
Peter knew that it wouldn’t always be easy, and that we might even be met with hostility, so he adds this, “yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
Are you prepared with a defense?
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the hope that You gave us when we trusted Jesus. This world needs to hear of that hope, and we just might be the person You use to share with someone who is without hope. Give us opportunities and Holy Spirit confidence to share the reasons for our hope, with words if necessary, but certainly with our actions. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
~ painting, “Blue Violet Bed and Breakfast,” by Barbara Mock
