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)
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Notice what the good apostle said about answer-giving, he said, “Always be prepared to give an answer…”
Notice what he did not say, he did not say, “Always be giving an answer…”
Remember, giving an answer presumes someone is actually asking you a question.
Unfortunately, there are few people asking questions. Most are just shouting their opinions, whether you want their opinion or not.
First, bumper stickers came along and allowed people to be portable billboards driving around touting their opinion. Now, technology has given people a platform to shout their opinions to us even in the privacy of our own homes.
But for all the shouting at each other, we’re doing very little convincing. We’re more divided today than we’ve ever been.
There’s a better way.
Remember, an opinion unasked for is usually an opinion not wanted.
You may be right in your opinion; you certainly have a right to your opinion, but the best way to win the day is live out your values and passions so faithfully and consistently and with such excellence that it begs a question.
And when that questions comes (!!!) if you’re prepared to give an answer, you could actually make a difference.
The ONE THING for today: The best way to have someone ask you a question is to do something questionable – like amazing them at how you live out your values and the things you truly care about.
The ONE THING 