"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

You can't defend what you can't define. Peter's command to be prepared sounds simple until you try it. Could you explain why you believe in Jesus to a skeptical coworker? Could you articulate the gospel to a searching neighbor without stumbling? Many believers know Jesus loves them but can't explain why they need a Savior. They feel hope but can't give reasons for it. This isn't about having all the answers or winning arguments. It's about knowing what you believe well enough to protect it. Clarity isn't optional. It's spiritual armor.

The preparation Peter calls for isn't just intellectual. Notice he says "in your hearts revere Christ as Lord" before telling you to give answers. The order matters. You set apart Christ as Lord first, then you're ready to defend Him. This means your knowledge flows from worship, not from pride. You don't study doctrine to feel superior or win debates. You study because you love Christ and want to honor Him accurately. When your heart reveres Him, your mind pursues truth about Him. Knowledge without worship produces arrogance. Worship without knowledge leaves you vulnerable.

Paul understood this when he wrote to the Colossians about being firm. He told them to be "rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." The phrase "as you were taught" points to specific content. There was apostolic teaching, sound doctrine, gospel truth they received. Being strengthened in the faith required knowing what that faith contained. You can't be firm in something vague. Firm fruits grow from firm roots, and firm roots require knowing what nourishes them. Faithfulness to truth starts with clarity about truth.

Here's the danger: spiritual drift happens slowly, not suddenly. You don't wake up one morning and abandon the faith. You start by neglecting what you were taught. You stop asking what Scripture actually says and start assuming you know. You let cultural ideas blend with biblical truth until you can't tell them apart. Then someone offers you a counterfeit gospel (Jesus plus your performance, Jesus plus your politics, Jesus plus anything) and you don't recognize the danger. You've lost the ability to guard what you never clearly understood. Vague faith can't withstand specific lies.

Peter's command carries urgency because false teaching always looks appealing at first. It sounds spiritual, feels good, promises results. But without clear knowledge of truth, you're defenseless. This is why studying Scripture matters. Why theology isn't just for pastors. Why you need to know what you believe and why you believe it. Not so you can show off. So you can stand firm when deception comes dressed as truth. The believer who knows doctrine recognizes error quickly. The believer who ignores doctrine falls slowly.

Godseekers, the fruit of firm faith includes the ability to guard truth. You can't produce this fruit without knowing what you're protecting. Start where you are. Can you explain the gospel in two minutes? Do you know why Jesus had to die? Can you articulate what makes Christianity different from every other religion? If not, begin learning. Read Scripture carefully. Ask questions. Study what you were taught. This isn't about becoming a scholar. It's about becoming unshakable. When you know what you believe, you can defend it with gentleness and respect, and you'll overflow with gratitude for the truth that set you free.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your Word and through Jesus Christ. You have not left me to stumble in the dark but have given me truth to stand on. Forgive me for the times I've been lazy about learning what I claim to believe. Forgive me for assuming I know enough when there's so much more to understand. Give me a hunger for Your truth and the discipline to study it carefully. Help me revere Christ in my heart so that my knowledge flows from worship, not pride. Strengthen me in the faith I was taught so I can guard it, share it, and stand firm in it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• Can I clearly explain the gospel and why I believe in Jesus, or do I rely on vague feelings and generic answers?
• What specific steps will I take this week to deepen my understanding of the faith I claim to hold?

Step of Faith

Today, I will write out the gospel in my own words and read it aloud, ensuring I can explain the hope I have with clarity and confidence.