Be Prepared ...

First Peter 3

Be Prepared to Give an Answer …

Note: Since I’ll probably get asked, I’m choosing not to talk about the first section in this chapter – but not for the reason you might guess.  I’m not afraid to discuss the relationship between husband and wife.  I know Peter uses the “s” word (submissive - depending on the translation you’re using), but we’re talking about respecting one’s husband in a way that allows them to see the love of Christ in their wives.  But it doesn’t mean being a doormat that lacks a mind or a voice.  While we’re at it, I agree totally with Peter that if a woman’s beauty is only skin deep, that’s a sad thing.  (P.S. I don’t consider it a condemnation of wearing make-up or jewelry or nice clothes, but that those things can’t cover up an ugly heart – male or female). And I have no problem with Peter saying that husbands should treat their wives with respect as the “weaker” partner (or vessel in some translations).  And before the ladies reading this challenge me to an arm wrestling match and embarrass me, let me say that the word for “weaker” here talks about being more sensitive (i.e. in touch with their feelings) and tender-hearted.  And while there are exceptions to this description, I’m sure, overall the women I have encountered are more tender-hearted and compassionate than the men I have known (again there are exceptions).  So in a day and a time within the Roman empire when women were most often thought of just another “piece” of property, Peter was busy being subversive to the culture – whether we recognize it or not. 

So while I’m not afraid to share some thoughts on Peter’s controversial words, I can’t help but talk about a different verse.  Peter says: “But in your hearts set apart 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.” That’s the verse that really popped for me in this chapter.

I have to admit, part of the reason this verse jumps out at me is that this is my wife (Anette’s) favorite verse.  In fact, I believe she’d tell you that it is her life verse (that is a theme verse to who she is), and who am I to argue?  It’s a powerful verse to be sure. 

“Always be prepared to give an answer,” is at the center.  There was a time in my life that this simply meant a theological answer.  There’s an area of theology called “apologetics” which most often means that you learn Biblical and philosophical responses to people’s objections against Christianity.  Don’t get me wrong, getting to know people’s objections, taking them seriously, and learning to respond to them is not a bad thing.  It’s just not the only thing.

Today I simply see more to that answer than apologetics alone.  This answer also includes heart talk.  It begins because in our hearts, Jesus reigns as Lord – set apart as holy.  And from His reign within us, we begin to “ooze” Christ.  He begins to permeate all of our being.  He transforms our minds and how we think about ourselves, others, and the great questions of life.  He renovates our hearts and how we feel about things and love deeply.  He corrects our eyes to see beyond the temporary to the eternal. 

I don’t say this theologically, even though theologically, this is absolutely true.  I say this experientially.  In my day to day life, this is how I think, I talk, I feel, I love, I see things and I live.  I want to be prepared to give an answer.  As a pastor I want to be prepared to give an answer – even if that answer is, “I don’t know.  Let me dig into that and get back with you.”  Or even if the answer is, “I don’t know.  God hasn’t revealed that in His Word, so I can’t answer that which he’s chosen to remain a mystery in this life.”  But as a man of God, I want to be ready to give you an answer of why I have hope, even in the face of struggle and suffering.  And that answer will always land on Jesus.