Yesterday was the first Presidential Debate in this election cycle featuring President Obama and Former Governor Romney. Debates have always been fascinating to me due to the amount of preparation and skill that is needed in order to participate. No matter which candidate you are voting for, one cannot help but be somewhat impressed with the efforts that go into such an event on both sides.
In order to become prepared for a Presidential Debate, the candidate must go through a rigorous time of study, practice & critique. This may take weeks or even months. The candidate will pour himself over literature that his coaching team has compiled, will practice his knowledge and skill in pretend debates, and will listen to those who have observed and make changes where necessary. The two gentlemen in last night’s debate had to be ready to answer any and every question imaginable. They must be knowledgeable on the topics that are addressing the country, and they had to be ready to show that they have the best solution for the problems facing our country.
When we start thinking about us as Christians, one starts to realize that the world does not view topics the same way we do. We also start to realize that the world does not even agree that there is a God. Often times, it is as if we are caught up in a debate. There will be those that try to challenge our belief system and our morals. There will be those that we will try to convince in order to save their souls. And there will be times where we need to strengthen a weak brother or sister. We are in a life long debate…and we must be ready to make a defense.
1 Peter 3:15 says: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence”.
A sad truth is that often, members of the Lord’s body do not feel as if they are capable of this. I have had many good Christian people come to me saying, “I do not know the Scriptures well enough, will you as the Preacher talk to so-and-so?” Now I am not saying that it is bad for a member to go to their preacher and ask for help. The truth is he is one who has his full time job based on studying the Scriptures and ministering to people. This being the case, a preacher grounded in the Word of God can be a huge asset to any Christian that is trying to make a defense. Yet as we ponder the verse above, we realize that this epistle was not just written to a preacher…it was written to many Christians (1:1). This should indicate that all Christians should strive to be ready to give a defense. But how do we accomplish this?
Lets take the example of the Presidential candidate to heart. First, we must study. This requires studying the Bible AND world views so that we may know how to address what is going on in the world and where we may need to give a defense. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, we see where the Sons of Issachar understood their times, and had a knowledge of what Israel must do. We must have this knowledge. Second, we must practice. Practice with one another. Gather together with like-minded believers and practice talking to one another about various issues. The Proverb writer says: “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (27:17). Third, we must be willing to receive critique. This can be the hardest, yet most rewarding part of becoming ready to make a defense. We should have a good enough relationship with a brother or sister that they can feel comfortable telling us as we practice, “You know, I would not use that argument for this reason…” etc.
If we prepare ourselves to make a defense, we can be ready to tackle any issue that might arise in our lifetime.
Morality Check 