What does the Bible say about being prepared
According to the Bible, being prepared for any situation is a virtue. As it says in Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” With the idea that being prepared and planning ahead can avoid negative repercussions further encouraged by the Book of Matthew, which states: “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42).
When we live in a busy world that sometimes feels like it is spinning faster than ever, it can be hard to make preparation and planning a priority, let alone something that is beneficial to our lives. But by adhering to the Bible’s advisement, we can make it a part of our lives. Whether it be prepping for a meeting, or emergency supplies, or just regular check-ups, we can all benefit from being prepared for the unexpected.
In Proverbs 15:22, the Bible gives us concrete advice on the effects of preparation: “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” This means that by consulting people with knowledge and resources, planning ahead and having a team to consult helps to make sure plans succeed. Working together to come up with solutions or back up plans is expressly encouraged.
We can also see the importance of being prepared in the story of the ten virgins in the Gospel of Matthew. This parable states that five virgins were wise and prepared for their marriage with enough oil for their lamps. The other five on the other hand, were not as prepared, not having the extra oil they needed. By the end, the five that had the proper supplies were rewarded, while the other five received a different destiny. This shows us that we should always take the time to be prepared for any situation, because we will be rewarded for our effort.
Overall, the Bible is clear about the importance of preparation in all aspects of our lives. Preparing spiritually and mentally gives us the opportunity to use the right knowledge and wisdom to make the right choices. It also allows us to better handle the situations that come our way. It also encourages us to never wait to the last minute, as preparation in advance will almost always result in a successful outcome.
Spiritual Preparation
The Bible talks extensively on the importance of spiritual preparedness. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, the farmer who entrusted his property to three of his servants, two of which were diligent and prepared, while the third did not prepare and instead used the talents to cover himself. This story teaches that being spiritually prepared is necessary for any outworking of a positive future. As Proverbs says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Paul the Apostle further reiterates the need for spiritual preparedness by writing in the book of Colossians: “in Him you have been enriched in every way, with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge,” (1:5-6). This instructs us that when it comes to being prepared spiritually, we need to make sure that we are enriched in every sense in order to arm ourselves against whatever comes our way.
The Bible also emphasizes being prepared spiritually through the idea of being “ready to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15). This is a call to be equipped and knowledgeable in all areas of life, yet especially when it comes to spiritual matters, so that when the time comes to stand up we will be prepared to put forth the right answers with confidence.
In addition, the Bible talks about being prepared spiritually in an emotional sense. In the passage from Ephesians 6:16, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” It shows us that if we are spiritually prepared we will be able to use our faith to ward off any danger that we may face.
Therefore, we should make sure to keep our faith and outlook ready and strong. Taking the time to read the Bible and going to church regularly will help us stay prepared when the opportunity arises.
Mental and Physical Preparation
The Bible also speaks of being prepared mentally and physically. In the book of Proverbs 25:28 says “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” This suggests that exercising self-control and careful planning in all activities is key, no matter the situation.
We can further see the idea of mental and physical preparedness in the Book of Ephesians, in which Paul encourages us to “put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (6:11). This is a call to arm ourselves mentally and spiritually in every aspect of life, so that we can stand up to opposition when it arises.
Additionally, the Bible speaks of being physically prepared in the sense of being healthy. For example, the book of Daniel encourages us to “for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (13:13). This suggests that we must be physically and mentally fit in order to serve the Lord and be successful. Additionally, physical exercise, proper sleep and a healthy diet are key as well in order to be prepared for the day ahead.
The Bible also speaks of being prepared for emergencies. In the parable of the man who had “built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-26), Jesus is teaching the idea of having a back-up plan in the event something unexpected arises. This suggests that it is important to have the necessary resources and supplies for a situation no matter how bad it may become.
Organizing and Planning
Planning and organizing are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but it is implied in many of the stories. For example, in the parable of the talent, the two servants who were rewarded were diligent in planning and organizing their talents to achieve the most from their efforts. This promotes the idea of being productive and wise with our plans and ideas.
In Titus 2:4-5, Paul also advocates for organizing when he says: “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” This speaks of a certain order and planning in the way that a household should be run. It speaks on exercise self-discipline, wisdom, and consistency.
The Bible also speaks of taking the time to sit down and prioritize our goals. Paul states in Philippians 3:14 that we should be “pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” This suggests that we should take the time to organize our time and efforts to make sure that we are aiming for our goals. By organizing our life in this way, we can make sure that our energy is focused and not wasted.
Being Prepared for Judgment
Finally, the Bible speaks of the importance of being prepared for eternal judgment. As the book of James says: “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (5:17-19). This speaks of being ready and prepared for the return of Jesus, so that we may be rewarded with the kingdom of Heaven.
Paul also encourages us to be prepared and ready for the day of judgment in Thesselonians “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus;” (3:13-6). This speaks of taking the time to know who Jesus is and what he has done, so that when the time comes, we will be ready and prepared to face the judgment.
In conclusion, the Bible is clear about the importance of being prepared for any situation in life. We should make sure to take the time to plan and organize our thoughts, prepare for our spiritual life, and for the future. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that if we are prepared for the day of judgment and make sure to have the proper supplies to get us through any situation that might arise, we can achieve success in our lives.
