THE CALL TO CONSTANT READINESS

“Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.” 

Ecclesiastes 9:8

Those who live—or have ever lived—in a military zone often notice how military personnel train every morning and evening. In fact, their early morning exercises and drills often serve as alarms for the entire community. Why do they keep training even in times of peace? Because they understand a vital truth: an unused knife will become rusty over time. Likewise, if they grow lazy, undisciplined, and stop training, they will be easy prey for the enemy.

There is a Boy Scouts slogan that goes, “Always be prepared.” In life, you cannot afford to be unprepared. As a soldier of Christ, you must always be ready, because your adversary—the accuser of the brethren—is on the prowl, walking to and fro, looking for whom he may destroy.

Many people appear well-dressed outwardly but walk around in stained spiritual garments. Many carry dry, lifeless heads because they lack the fresh oil of God’s presence. Our walk with God is not a journey to be lived in seasons of convenience or inconsistency. The call to constant readiness is a call to live every day prepared, pure, and fully aligned with God’s will. God is not asking us to be ready only when we feel like it or when life is easy. He commands that our lives always be right with Him. Let your garments always be white. Don’t wait until tomorrow to put things right. Don’t wait until trouble comes to seek God and get ready.

Charge: Keep your heart pure and your oil fresh. Stay prepared.

Further Study: Psalm 92:10; Matthew 24:44; Ephesians 5:26–27; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Revelation 3:4–5