Prepared in and out of season

For the full context of this post read 2 Timothy 4: 1-5.

Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him to do the work of ministry. Paul charged Timothy to be prepared in season and out of season. No matter what life threw at Timothy, Paul wanted him to be prepared to share the gospel of Christ. Paul reminded Timothy to “keep his head in all situations.” It’s Monday morning and I hope you are motivated for a great week ahead. If not, let me provide you some encouragement and a few verses to meditate on and memorize this week!

1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

This is the type of reminder that I need right now! It’s hard to keep our head in this seemingly endless shelter in place order, but it is possible to do so. It’s possible for us to use this time to make sure that we are ready in season and out of season. High school, college, Olympians and other professional athletes are still training as if they were in season because they know that they need to be ready for when they are back in season. Like athletes, we need to continue to train to be ready for our life’s work. Working from home can be hard, but keep your head set as if you were in season at the office. Remember, it seems like everything is out of season, but some things are in prime season. It’s a prime season for nurturing relationships. Keep your head set on intentionally connecting with others. As Paul encouraged Timothy to share the gospel, it is prime season to spread good news and hope to others.

In season and out of season, we’ve got to be ready for whatever life throws our way! Take time this week to memorize 2 Timothy 4:1-5. If that seems like a lot, try memorizing the verses that stand out the most to you. Maybe memorize verse 2 and 5. Make it a point to be prepared for all seasons of life!