As I write, I’m sitting at my desk eating something unhealthy that I don’t particularly enjoy. It’s almost lunchtime, and I didn’t bring any food with me today. Someone offered a bag of chips, so I grabbed them. It’s not ideal, but it was the only option available. Normally, I pack a lunch with extra fruit or carrots for a snack. I almost always have healthy snack bars in my desk drawer, but today I had none—except for a couple of Hershey’s Kisses.

In an effort to take care of myself, I try to be prepared. I don’t want to find myself hungry and lunchless, which often leads to a quick trip to one of the fast food places nearby. But I’ve come to realize that those restaurants aren’t as concerned with my well-being as I should be.

Preparation matters–especially when it comes to matters of faith. But food isn’t the only matter in which preparation is important.

Recently, I attended a party with a mixed group of people. My friend, who was hosting, encouraged me to join a discussion at the firepit. I got the impression that she particularly wanted me to engage in that conversation rather than any of the others in the house or backyard. It turned out to be a lively debate between an atheist and two Christians. Normally I’d be quite eager to participate, but on this particular evening, I was unprepared. It had been a long week, and I had come for light conversation and laughter, not a fervent debate on the existence of God. Worse, I found the person who didn’t believe in God to be arrogant and unyielding to solid points. Frankly, he made me mad. When he listed three things that he required of God to prove His existence, I had to bite my tongue. I wanted to say, “You are a speck of dust in the presence of a holy, eternal God! How dare you!” I don’t know why that was the reaction brewing within my heart. I was tired and unprepared.

As the other two Christians were already well embroiled in the discussion and my occasional comment seemed like an intrusion, I wandered off after about a half an hour. After all, there were more snacks to sample! The pleasant music from inside and the buoyant voices in other groupings enticed me. I was done with the mental challenge this man presented.

But I was disappointed in myself. The others representing Christ didn’t need my help and were probably better off without it. But why was I so irritated? Why did I want out of that conversation so badly?

Second Timothy 4:2 (NIV) says: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” I heard those words in my head that night as I retreated to the charcuterie board. I was keenly aware that God had placed two very capable Christian apologists at that firepit. Though my friend expected me to contribute to the conversation, God knew I wasn’t bringing my best self that night, and he had other capable spokespersons!

But I still had to address my attitude. I needed to confess that I put my personal comfort ahead of the command found in 2 Timothy 4:2. I wanted to relax rather than interact with someone who needed to hear truth.

I think there are two main ways we need to be ready to share with unbelievers:

1. Know the Word of God. The man at the firepit knew Scripture well enough to misinterpret it. If we hadn’t known the passages he cited and their true meaning, we would have been left hemming and hawing. 

2. Have a ready heart. Always understand that there is never anything more vital than sharing your faith with anyone eager to discuss it—no matter the hour, no matter your weariness, etc.

We are often told that we should not wait until we have a scholarly understanding of the Bible before we share our faith. That is true! But as people of God we should be invested in His written revelation to us. It is necessary for our own lives, and it is necessary to fulfill the command to “preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season.” To be completely ignorant of the Scriptures speaks to a great spiritual laziness – it does your own soul no favors, and it certainly doesn’t prepare you for theological encounters.

The way you live, of course, speaks loudest of all. If you are prepared with a heart of love, if you have a generous spirit, if you radiate Christ, then seekers will listen to you. To be truly ready, prepare your heart and prepare your mind. And while you’re at it, you might as well prepare your lunch!

This article was originally titled “Be Prepared!” in the March 2025 issue of The War Cry.