be prepared to give an answer, but don't worry what you'll say

Today we read in the One Year Bible from Acts 25:1-27. Paul is on trial, and he appeals to Caesar. So to Caesar he will go! And you KNOW he had to be worried about what the heck he was going to say to the leader of the civilized world, who was regarded by most as a god.

And if he knew his New Testament (which was impossible, since it didn't exist yet) he would know that he had contradictory advice for the occasion. And so do we. But, as with most things, we'll find that it's not actually a contradiction, but a balance that brings wisdom.

We're told in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be ready to give an answer when someone asks about the hope that we have. In other words, prepare yourself to share the good news of Jesus's work, redeeming the whole world and bringing us salvation and eternal life, with anyone who asks you.

On the other hand, Jesus said in Matthew 10:19 not to worry about what you'll say when they hand you over to the authorities. And that's from Jesus Himself, and directly relates to the situation Paul is in.

But for us, which advice should we follow? We tend to want to get it backwards... don't we? We want to just answer people casually who ask casually. But if we were dragged before a court (which might happen soon, since Christians are being martyred more now than ever before in history. And they are making it illegal to keep the seal of confession in California. And it's becoming illegal around the world (so far in Canada and the UK) to voice the teachings of the church on homosexuality.), we would be sorely tempted to actually PREPARE something to say.

So we find, once again, that wisdom lies in the middle. Don't WORRY about what you'll say in either case. God will speak through you, especially if you ask Him to, in both situations. But DO prepare something, so that when the moment comes, you have something... just a few bullet points, maybe... of what you'll say to frame your answer.

And then say a prayer and share the good news.

God, thanks for giving us both sides of the issue, and the wisdom to find the balance.