Be Prepared
Readiness Is About Bringing Joy To Others
by Eric Elkin
“Therefore, keep alert, because you don’t know the day or the hour.”
Be prepared. Robert Baden-Powell created this little two-word motto for a book he wrote in 1907, Scouting for Boys. At the time, Baden-Powell had no idea how influential this one book would become. Within a few years of its publication, the book would usher in the global Boy/Girl Scout movement. It is the fourth best-selling book of the 20th Century.
Scouting for Boys has an interesting origin. Robert Baden-Powell used his experience in the Boer Wars as the premise for the book. He thought children could benefit from learning observation and tracking skills. These skills also required children to work on self-discipline and self-improvement.
The lesson to be prepared stuck well in the minds of British children. Winston Churchill praised the work of the Boys Scouts during World War II. They served as centennials on the coast watching for German boats. When London was bombed, they served as emergency workers.
While its origins are rooted in military activity, “Be Prepared” is a more universal goal. The Boy Scout Handbook defines Robert Baden-Powell’s intent this way:
“His idea was that Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and strong leaders and to bring joy to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges await him. “
“We must change boys from a ‘what can I get’ to a ‘what can I give’ attitude.”
I failed miserably in the arena of scouting. If there is one thing I could go back and re-do in my life, it would be Boy Scouts. In my defense, the scouting program I experienced as a child was a directionless mess. The leaders were not equipped to lead children, nor teach scouting principles.
As I look at the landscape of our culture, our nation could use more scouts. Particularly, scouts schooled in Robert Baden-Powells goal to “Be Prepared.” Can you imagine our world with young people prepared to bring joy to others? I’m confident Wal-Mart would not have to take ammunition out of its stores as a precaution to election results.
Today’s reading is a cold-hearted lesson. If, according to Jesus, you are not prepared you are out of luck. He will not even acknowledge your presence. However, if you consider preparation through the eyes of Augustine and Baden-Powell you may get a different vibe.
Augustine considered the maidens with oil in their lamps to be the ones who practiced enduring love. The empty lamps were those who only desired the appearance of serving.
I don’t think you need to be a religious scholar to understand, Christians only interested in appearance look nothing like the disciples in the Bible. Enduring love and service are essential elements of faith. So, be prepared to love and bring joy to other people. The world will benefit from your readiness.
Click to read Matthew 25: 1-13
Reflection Questions:
Where do you give for the joy of others?
How does one prepare to serve?
What are you doing to change the world?
What does “enduring love” look like?
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