Being Unprepared
Being unprepared can be frustrating and embarrassing. It can turn an ordinary day into a bad one very quickly. Too many unprepared days usually lead to an overwhelmed life, and getting by consumes any best that might otherwise exist.
A habit of unpreparedness eventually creates a reactionary, drama-filled life. That sort of life comes characterized by relentless stress and exhausting overwhelm.
The Value of Preparedness
Being prepared is a habit that sets you up for an effective and successful life. Vastly more important, though, is knowing the concept of preparedness as it relates to your spiritual state. Your heavenly Father also values being prepared and wants you to always stand ready.
Matthew 24 conveys God’s preparedness message aptly. In it, we have Jesus’ words telling us to not panic and to instead prepare to endure to the end. The idea of panic and endurance tells us the situation will be dire and feel desperate at times.
Jesus also tells us what to pay attention to and what not to let steal our focus. In that, he directs us to:
- Know the Truth
- Know what’s coming
- Know what you don’t know
- Know your responsibility
This chapter in Matthew ends with a call to preparedness, too.
“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24:44)
Jesus gave us what we need to be prepared and called us to a continual state of preparedness.
A Habit of Preparedness
Living with a habit of preparedness based on the information you have creates the mindset necessary to be ready for the event of all time — Jesus’ return. A habit of preparedness creates a way of thinking that flows into every area of their lives, from the small events to the big ones later in life. Most importantly, it gives us the mindset to prepare in the only way that truly — eternally — matters, relationship with the Savior.
Seeing the connection of everyday habits to our eternal perspective helps us better see the truth in how all we do can truly be to his glory.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Preparedness is, for me, one of the most powerful examples of this principle.
cycleguy
I tend to be a plan ahead person in some things, but not in all. I usually know before I go to bed what I plan to wear the next day. It may change depending on the weather or my mood, but for the most past it is a done deal. I plan ahead in some things but fly by the seat of my pants in others. As for eternity: all those plans are already made and sealed.
My recent post Medicine
Kari Scare
I tend to be on the extreme end of planning ahead to the point of not always enjoying the moments. But, like you, eternity is decided.
Chris
I tend to be somewhat in the middle in terms of preparation. I'm really good at preparing for trips, making day plans, etc. However, I don't always have a solid plan for dinner or packing every little thing needed for our son when we are out for the day. I'm improving, as I'm learning what he will need in order to "survive" for a few hours away from home. From experience, I now know that both he and I need a backup change of clothes in my car at all times. 🙂
In terms of eternity, I am prepared because of my relationship with Christ. But I also know that I have much I want to experience and accomplish before my life here on earth is over.
Kari Scare
As I think more about this topic and realized that many people in my circle are prepared for eternity, and I'm thrilled about that. Yet, we all struggle with being prepared for the everyday happenings of life, and I wonder how this impacts our overall impact. We're good in some areas but not usually having an overall consistency. Thoughts?
Chris
I think there is something to be said for being prepared, but there is also value in being sporadic. I've kind of shifted over the years, going from having things planned out completely to having a loose framework with the ability to be flexible. I believe wholeheartedly in advanced preparation, but I also don't want to set myself up to miss out on opportunities and experiences that happen by being present in the moment.
As far as consistency goes, we have to create a few very specific, measurable goals. Otherwise, we are just drifting along with whatever life brings our way.
My recent post Demand Excellence from Yourself
Kari Scare
I've discovered that the more I an be prepared for what I CAN be prepared for, the better able I am to handle the unexpected and sporadic. Things never go exactly as prepared, but being prepared makes me better able to handle things when this happens. Flexibility certainly is key, but I find it easier to be flexible when I've prepared for what I know at the time. Does that make sense? I definitely need to work on being more present in the moment, and I'm finding I can do that when I don't have unpreparedness hanging over my head. And, it's so true about consistency. We have found that to be an essential in so many areas of life (parenting, marriage, following Christ, etc.) Great input, Chris!
marymccauley
I tend to make plans and get upset when they are changed, which can also lead to trouble.
Yet I totally agree in being prepared, and I do believe that mom's have certain gifts dads just don't.
At our house when a trip is coming I watch my hubby prepare the truck, the boat, his fishing stuff, all weeks ahead of time.
Those of us who are people of the cross of Jesus are indeed called to be prepared by listening and obeying Him and living in His love and grace. For me that is being prepared, trusting Him to guide and handle all of life's situations, good, bad, and ugly. Trust means that when plans change or I mess up, then receiving His grace.
Kari Scare
Learning to trust in the Lord with every detail of life is the best way to make sure we are prepared for whatever happens. Great point, Mary!
danonleadership
Preparing is a daily/ hourly activity. For eternity we always need to make sure we are walking in the Spirit and doing what He wants us to do. It's why we should develop the habit of talking with God, praying, reading the Bible, and worshiping. It allows us to be a little more prepared. Great read!
Kari Scare
Preparation is never done, that\’s for certain. As you said, it needs to be a daily habit. Thanks, Dan!
danonleadership
Glad to finally be able to comment on your blog:) I've been really busy lately so have not been able to keep up on my reading and commenting.
Kari Scare
Believe me, Dan, I certainly understand where you\’re coming from. Always great to hear from you when you have time!
Mark Allman
Kari
I've thinking of this post for a few days. I know some may read my following comment and wonder if I am commenting on the right post. 🙂 I think preparation is so important in work, in sports, in your spiritual battle, even in your down time.
As far as work goes and working in an industry where mistakes can be critical to personal and environmental safety nothing helps as much as a checklist. It significantly reduces error rates. One of the first times they flew the B-17 it crashed due to pilot error. A step was missed and they knew more training would not help. The developed a detailed checklist and they went on to fly 1.8 million miles without an incident. From experience I know you can miss a step on something you know well how to do. If it is a critical step it can be fatal.
Using checklist in sports helps in practice to make sure you cover all possible things you need to cover and it also helps reaffirm correct habits in form.
In life if you use checklist it can reduce stress to make sure you don't forget something. It also helps to put down on paper the things you want to make sure you do everyday to check them off. Even something as simple as doing your Bible study can be helped by having it on a checklist.
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande is a great book and it details how much checklist have helped in the medical community.
Kari Scare
Great point regarding checklists, Mark. I've used them for years and find them immensely helpful in all areas of life, from my daily work to parenting. It's interesting that even the most experienced individuals (say a pilot, for example) uses checklists with activities they've done hundreds of times. We so easily get into routine that we can miss something we've done many, many times. Would be interesting to do a Bible study on this idea of checklists.
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