It’s been an under current within our men’s group for a number of years now. Probably goes back a few years ago to a men’s retreat where we focused on the importance of, and the practical mechanics of, giving one’s testimony . . . the why and the how of telling your story. It’s the version of “the good news” that should be most familiar to us and, with a bit of thought and preparation, it should be ready at a moments notice to share with others. We talked about a simple structure for telling the story . . . a “before salvation” section . . . a “how I came to know Jesus” part . . . and a ” since salvation” conclusion. We talked about having not only the “full un-abridged version” ready, but also being ready with a 5-minute “elevator speech” in pocket. Since then, having one of our guys share their story has been the “main event” of our monthly men’s breakfasts.

So . . . why this introduction, this morning? It’s because I’m reminded this morning that being prepared to tell my story goes far beyond just having taken the time to think it out and write it out . . . it’s about so much more than ordering events into a “before & after” narrative . . . check this out . . .

“. . . . but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1Peter 3:15 ESV)

1Peter 3:15 has been our “theme verse” as to why each of us should have our testimony in hand . . . our marching order to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. But it hit me this morning, that most often (if not always) we have cited only the last part of the verse . . . that in talking about “being prepared” we may have de-emphasized the foundation of that preparation . . . that is, “in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy.”

Isn’t that truly the starting point for being in a position to tell a story that others need to hear . . . to regard as holy, to sanctify (NKJV), to set apart (NIV), Christ as Lord in the very core of who we are? The preparation is so much more than just taking a few minutes to think it through and write it down. Instead, I’m thinking that getting ready to make a defense to anyone who asks involves a daily aligning to the holiness and lordship of Christ. That being able to “speak up” first begins with the reality of having “bowed down” . . . that an authentic telling of who I am starts with an authentic acknowledgment of who He is.

I want to be prepared to give an answer? It starts with an honest assessment of where I stand in relationship to Him. It begins not with pen and paper but at probing the very depths of what makes me tick. In my heart, what’s most important . . . what motivates me . . . where does my treasure lie . . . where does my hope rest . . . how do I define success . . . what do I seek first . . . who’s really “at the wheel” . . . is Christ, first and foremost, set apart as Lord . . . is His holiness my banner?

Before being too quick to tell my story, I need to be sure deep down, that what is most important to me is His story . . . before spending too much time on “how far I’ve come”, I need to be clear that it’s really about how far He, who bought me, has brought me . . . before I deliver my “elevator speech” I best be sure that He’s the One truly “pushing the buttons” . . .

No doubt about it . . . on the authority of His Word, I need to be prepared to give an answer . . . and preparation starts in the heart . . . and readiness comes with Christ being set apart as Lord of all . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory.