Be prepared. These two simple words make up the Boy Scout Motto. I have two boys in Boy Scout Troop 621, and at least on the local level, it remains a great and honorable organization. Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of The Boy Scouts, explained, “The Scout Motto is: BE PREPARED which means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY.” This simple motto is a good summary of our Lord’s parables found in this great chapter.
First, the parable of the virgins follows ten virgins. Five were prepared for the bridegroom’s return and five were not. Jesus tells His disciples the point of His story in verse thirteen. “Therefore, be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.” Friends we are commanded to remain in a state of readiness. Are you ready this moment for our Lord’s return? Or have you, like the virgins, fallen asleep?
Second, our Lord told the parable of the talents. In it three servants were entrusted with various amounts of their master’s money according to their own abilities. It was their duty to take the money and grow it for the master’s profit while he was gone. The first two servants were faithful with the money entrusted to them, and they were blessed when the master returned. The third servant was fearful and lazy. He hid his master’s money in the ground. When the master returned this servant had nothing to show for the money entrusted to him. The master said, “Throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Brothers and sisters our Master has gone away for a long time, but He will come back and settle accounts with His servants. We too will give an account. What has He entrusted to you according to your abilities? Have you been faithful with whatever it is He has entrusted to you? Or are you more like the third servant? Are you living in fear? Are you just being lazy?
The Boy Scout Motto should also be the Christian’s motto: BE PREPARED which means always be in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY. BE ALERT, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.
Today’s author: John Sullens
First Thoughts 