Always be Prepared and Practice What You Preach

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. I work with kids a lot. I enjoy their drive, their energy, and the fact that they are always looking for answers. Knowing this, I have to always be prepared to address whatever they want to talk about. I find that they keep me on my toes and keep me sharp. With kids, you have to be ready for anything because you never know what they might ask you or when they will ask it. I have found that you just have to be honest with them and even if the question makes you uncomfortable, you have to give them an answer. Same can be said when dealing with unbelievers. They will question you and they will try to trip you up. You have to be aware of this fact and be prepared to deal with these instances when you are addressed with them. In other words always be prepared to lead folks to the truth by knowing the Word of God and being able to challenge those that speak false truths or do not fully understand. While we are doing this we need to take great care in what we are preaching. This is true not only in the wisdom we pass to them but it has to be evident in how we live our lives. We can’t preach the value of service to others and then never do anything for anyone other than ourselves. We can’t preach restraint and then behave in a way that shows none. If you lead them wrong or do not give them the truth, you are the one to be held accountable according to the bible. I urge you to take the time to become prepared. Be ready at any time to preach the word and to bring others into the light. Just make sure that you are able to practice what you preach.