Christianity is not to be a passive faith but one where we are called to be ready for action. So many Christians profess their faith in Jesus and never do anything else for the Kingdom. Can such faith save them? (James 2:17; James 2:26) The Christian life is not some sort of spectator sport. We must be serious; this is not a game.
Every day, demonic forces are wreaking havoc throughout the world. They understand what’s at stake, and they know their time is running out. A desperate Satan is even more dangerous and formidable than ever. He is gunning for you, and if you aren’t preparing for battle, you will not finish well. (Ephesians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
In Peter’s first epistle, the apostle encourages his readers to get their minds ready for action. (1 Peter 1:13). To explain how to do that, he uses the Greek word νήφ-ω. In English, it means to be temperate; be sober, sober-minded; recover one’s senses, become sane; be sane. Bible translators use terms such as “be serious, serious, and disciplined” for this word. The first thing we need to do to be ready for action, then, is to exercise self-discipline. We have to be serious about the way we live, not careless or flippant.
Another way to be ready for action is to be clear-headed. (1 Peter 4:7). We can’t be thinking about a thousand different things as we go into battle each day. Our focus must be on Jesus alone. All the cares of this world do nothing but choke the life out of us. (Mark 4:18-19; Luke 8:14) Paul warns us not to get caught up in the affairs of our culture and society. We are foreigners here, sojourners on a mission. That mission is to teach the gospel everywhere our feet find themselves. If we lose focus in battle for even a moment, it can be all the opening the Devil needs.
If we are to be ready for action, we must first discipline ourselves in prayer. (1 Peter 4:7). Prayer is our lifeline to God. He speaks to us through His Word, and we respond to Him in prayer. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Philippians 4:6) If you want to talk to God, read the Bible and pray. If you don’t know God, how can you have a relationship with Him? If you have no relationship with Him, how do you expect Him to know you when you meet Him? (Matthew 7:21-23) Christians pray. It’s what we do because it’s what He taught us to do. (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
We must be ready for action because Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8). To escape, we are to set our hope on the grace Christ is bringing when He returns. The only way to endure the wickedness of this world and come through the battles unscathed is to keep our eyes on Jesus. He has already won the war, banished Satan, and defeated death. (Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57) There’s nothing left for us to do.
When Christ returns, don’t let Him find you sleeping like so many; remain vigilant and serious about your conduct. (1 Thessalonians 5:6). As soldiers of the King, put on your armor and fight the good fight of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-18) We must be serious about everything, enduring the hardships and trials to fulfill our ministry of spreading the gospel throughout the world. (2 Timothy 4:5) Put away the foolish behaviors and your love for the things of this world. (Ephesians 5:15-17; 1 John 2:15-17) Be ready for action and serve your King.