Be Prepared: A Call for Christian Men

Scripture: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)

Men of God, in an increasingly violent and anarchistic culture, we cannot afford to be caught off guard. As Christian men, we are called to always be prepared and aware. This is not merely a practical principle but a biblical mandate. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to stand firm, act with courage, and embody the strength that comes from faith in Christ.

The Call to Preparedness

Growing up, I was taught a simple yet profound truth: It is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. This mindset emphasizes the importance of readiness. When a crisis strikes, the decisions we make in advance determine our actions in the moment. Indecision during an attack can be fatal—spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Even the Boy Scouts’ “Be Prepared” motto aligns with this principle. They teach preparedness in body, mind, and action: to be strong, active, and ready to do the right thing at the right moment.

Sun Tzu, in The Art of War, underscores the necessity of preparation: “The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. So, it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.” For Christian men, this translates to spiritual and practical watchfulness, caution, alertness, awareness, and care. Jesus Himself warned, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16, ESV). We must understand the threats around us—both physical and spiritual—and be prepared to respond with godly wisdom and strength.

The Enemy’s Tactics (1 Peter 5:8)

Scripture warns us of a relentless adversary: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV). The devil is not a passive threat; he actively seeks to destroy. He often targets the young—our children and youth—because they are vulnerable and susceptible. His aim is to inflict damage early in their lives, bringing shame and accusations that can haunt them for years. By ensnaring the young, he seeks to derail their faith, fracture families, and weaken the church.

As men, we must recognize this tactic and protect the next generation. Our preparedness extends beyond physical defense to spiritual guardianship. We must teach our youth to stand firm in faith, equip them with God’s Word, and model a life of attention and strength.

The devil’s accusations are powerless against the blood of Christ (Revelation 12:10-11), but we must be proactive in shielding the vulnerable from his attacks.

Willingness: Lessons from The Shootist

In the 1976 film The Shootist, young Gillom Rogers asks the seasoned gunslinger John Bernard Books how he always comes out on top. Their exchange reveals a profound truth:

• Gillom Rogers: “But how could you get into so many fights and always come out on top? I nearly tied you shooting.”
• John Bernard Books: “Friend, there’s nobody up there shooting back at you. It isn’t always being fast or even accurate that counts. It’s being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren’t willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won’t.”

Books’ success, his survival, stemmed not just from skill but from his willingness to act decisively when others hesitated. This principle resonates with the Christian call to courage. Scripture affirms this: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV).

Willingness is the resolve to act in obedience to God, even in the face of fear. Jesus demonstrated this in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, ESV). As men, we must be willing to stand, fight, and lead, trusting God’s strength to sustain us.

Awareness and Action

Preparedness begins with awareness. Know your environment and the potential dangers within it. Predators thrive on the unprepared, and situations can turn violent in an instant. Develop the ability to detect threats immediately and discern when to escalate your response. As Proverbs 22:3 (ESV) states, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple goes on and suffers for it.” When violence becomes necessary, it must be purposeful and decisive. There is no halfway in self-defense or in standing for righteousness.

A friend of mine often says, “If you don’t cheat in a fight, you don’t want to win badly enough.” I would adjust this to say, “If you don’t fight with all you have, you don’t want to live badly enough.” This isn’t about unethical behavior but about a resolve to protect life—yours, your family’s, and your neighbor’s. The Bible affirms this duty: “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter” (Proverbs 24:11, ESV).

The Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Preparedness is not only physical but also spiritual. Ephesians 6:10-18 instructs us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (v. 11, ESV). This armor equips us for spiritual battle:

• Belt of Truth: Stand firm in God’s truth, which holds everything together.
• Breastplate of Righteousness: Live with integrity, guarding your heart against sin.
• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Be ready to share the hope of Christ, even in conflict.
• Shield of Faith: Defend against doubt and temptation with unwavering trust in God.
• Helmet of Salvation: Protect your mind with the assurance of your salvation.
• Sword of the Spirit: Wield the Word of God as your offensive weapon against evil.
• Prayer: Pray without ceasing, seeking God’s strength and guidance.

This armor is not optional—it is essential for standing firm in faith and acting like men in a world hostile to godliness.

Mighty Men of Valor (Judges)

The Bible describes men as “mighty men of valor,” particularly in the book of Judges. For example, Gideon, initially a fearful man, was called by God: “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12, ESV). The Hebrew word for “valor” (chayil) means strength, courage, and capability. A mighty man of valor is not defined by physical prowess alone but by his willingness to trust God and act boldly in obedience. Gideon, though hesitant initially, led Israel to victory against the Midianites because he relied on God’s strength, not his own.

For today’s Christian man, being a mighty man of valor means stepping out in faith, even when afraid, to protect, provide, and lead. It means trusting that “the Lord is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7, ESV) and acting courageously in the face of adversity.

Tenacity and Perseverance

Preparedness and willingness must be coupled with tenacity and perseverance.

“Endeavor to persevere,” a quote from the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales. It means to actively try and continue despite difficulties or challenges, essentially signifying a strong commitment to not giving up and pushing through obstacles to achieve a goal; it emphasizes the effort put into staying determined in the face of adversity. 

Life’s battles, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional, require steadfast endurance. Scripture calls us to this: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, ESV). The Apostle Paul exemplified this, declaring, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV).

Tenacity is the resolve to press on, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Perseverance is the commitment to remain faithful to God’s calling, trusting that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, ESV). As men, we must model this for our families, showing them that faith endures through trials.

The Authority and Guidance of God’s Word (Psalm 119)

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, unfolds the many features of God’s Word, revealing its dynamic assistance in life’s most practical circumstances. Several verses highlight its authority and guidance:

• Psalm 119:89-91 (ESV): “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment, they stand this day, for all things are your servants.” These verses affirm the eternal authority of God’s Word, unchanging and sovereign over all creation. It is the foundation of our lives.
• Psalm 119:92 (ESV): “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” God’s Word sustains us in trials, providing strength and hope.
• Psalm 119:105 (ESV): “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” No verse more clearly shows how God’s Word lights the way, giving direction for each step and wisdom for long-range plans. We are all inexperienced in too much of life to be without this guide.
• Psalm 119:133 (ESV): “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” God’s Word directs our steps and guards us from sin’s dominion.

As men, we must anchor our lives in Scripture, allowing it to shape our decisions, guide our families, and produce practical, fruit-filled living.

Nehemiah’s Leadership and Its Application

Nehemiah exemplifies godly leadership in the face of opposition. When tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, he faced threats from enemies and discouragement from within. His leadership style offers valuable lessons for Christian men today:

1. Vision and Prayer: Nehemiah began with prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-11), seeking God’s guidance before acting. Men must lead their families and communities with a clear vision rooted in prayer.
2. Preparedness and Action: When enemies threatened, Nehemiah armed the workers and stationed guards: “Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other” (Nehemiah 4:17, ESV). This balance of work and readiness is a model for us—fulfill your responsibilities while remaining vigilant.
3. Encouragement and Unity: Nehemiah rallied the people: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes” (Nehemiah 4:14, ESV). Men must encourage their families and stand united in faith.
4. Resolve and Perseverance: Despite opposition, Nehemiah completed the wall in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15). Christian men must persevere through challenges, trusting God to see them through.

Apply Nehemiah’s example by leading your family with prayer, preparing for spiritual and physical threats, fostering unity, and remaining steadfast in your calling.

Love Protects

Love is not passive—it protects. As 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV) states, [Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” This includes shielding those we love from harm. Christian men have a God-given right and responsibility to defend themselves, their families, and their neighbors. Jesus modeled this protective love when He drove out the money-changers from the temple (John 2:15) and stood up for the vulnerable (John 8:7-11).

In today’s world, this might mean standing against injustice. Love does not delight in evil (1 Corinthians 13:6) but actively opposes it. Say to your family, “I will protect you.” Say to your neighbor, “I will stand with you against threats.” This is simple, biblical self-defense rooted in love.

The Godfather’s Wisdom

In The Godfather, Don Vito Corleone states, “Women and children can afford to be careless, men cannot.” This quote, while from a secular source, reflects a biblical truth: Men bear a unique responsibility to be vigilant and prepared. Women and children, often more vulnerable, rely on men to provide and protect. Carelessness in men can lead to disaster for those under their care. This aligns with the Scripture’s call for men to lead with strength and wisdom (Ephesians 5:25-28; 1 Timothy 5:8). For Christian men, this means rejecting passivity and embracing the duty to safeguard our families and communities, both physically and spiritually.

Spirit-Led Living (Galatians 5:16-26)

Galatians 5:16-26 contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, calling us to live by the Spirit’s guidance:

• Galatians 5:16 (ESV): “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Spirit-led living is the antidote to sin’s pull.
• Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” These qualities mark a man who is under the Spirit’s control, enabling him to lead with strength and grace.
• Galatians 5:25 (ESV): “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” This requires daily dependence on God, aligning our actions with His will.

Spirit-led living equips us to be strong yet gentle, resolute yet loving. It empowers us to resist temptation, protect our families, and lead with godly character.

Act Like Men

Our culture often undermines biblical manhood, but Scripture calls men to lead, provide, and protect. Jesus, the ultimate man, exemplified this: He confronted sin, defended the weak, and sacrificed Himself for others. In Revelation 19:11-16, He returns as a warrior on a white horse, wielding a sword and ruling with authority.

To “act like men” (1 Corinthians 16:13) is to:

• Be Courageous: Face fear with faith. As Joshua was told, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9, ESV).
• Be Responsible: Take ownership of your duties without excuses.
• Be Strong in the Spirit: Admit your weaknesses and rely on Christ’s strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
• Exercise Self-Control: Submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Galatians 5:22-23).

Conclusion

Men of God: The world needs Christian men who love Jesus, their families, God’s Word, and the church. Be watchful, stand firm, and act with the valor of Gideon, the leadership of Nehemiah, and the strength of Christ. Be willing, as John Bernard Books exemplified, and persevere through every trial. Anchor your life in the authority of God’s Word, live by the Spirit, and protect those entrusted to you—especially the young, whom the enemy seeks to devour. As Psalm 144:1 (ESV) declares, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” Let us rise up as men of God, ready to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

A Prayer for the Men of God

Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, grateful for Your love, Your strength, and Your unchanging Word. You are our Rock, our Fortress, and our Deliverer (Psalm 18:2). We lift up every man gathered here, sons of the Most High, called to be mighty men of valor, leaders, protectors, and servants in Your kingdom. Lord, we seek Your presence, Your power, and Your guidance as we strive to live out the charge You have given us: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV).

Lord, Equip Us with Your Armor.
Clothe us with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), that we may stand firm against the schemes of the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Gird us with the belt of truth, guard our hearts with the breastplate of righteousness, and fit our feet with the gospel of peace. Strengthen our hands with the shield of faith, protect our minds with the helmet of salvation, and place in our grasp the sword of the Spirit—Your holy Word. May we be men of prayer, vigilant and steadfast, trusting in Your power to sustain us in every battle.

Father, Make Us Willing and Courageous.
Teach us to be willing, to act decisively when others hesitate, not out of pride, but out of obedience to You. As You commanded Joshua, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9, ESV), fill us with Your Spirit that we may step boldly into the roles You’ve entrusted to us. Remove fear and doubt, and replace them with the resolve of Christ, who prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, ESV). Make us men who do not blink or waver but who trust in Your strength to lead, protect, and persevere.

Lord, Grant Us Tenacity and Perseverance.
In the face of trials, help us to press on without growing weary, knowing that “in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, ESV). Like Paul, may we fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). When the enemy seeks to discourage or destroy, remind us that You, who began a good work in us, will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6). Strengthen us to model endurance for our families, showing them that faith stands firm through every storm.

Father, Anchor Us in Your Word.
We praise You for Your Word, which is “forever… firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89, ESV), a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). In a world of confusion and darkness, direct our steps by Your promise, and let no iniquity have dominion over us (Psalm 119:133). When affliction threatens to overwhelm, may Your law be our delight, sustaining us as it did the psalmist (Psalm 119:92). We are inexperienced in too much of life, Lord, but with Your Word as our guide, we will not stumble. Let it produce in us practical, fruit-filled living that honors You.

Lord, Fill Us with Your Spirit.
Lead us to walk by the Spirit, that we may not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Produce in us the fruit of Your Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—so that we may lead our families and communities with godly character. Keep us in step with Your Spirit (Galatians 5:25), aligning our hearts with Your will. Where we are weak, be our strength, for Your power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Father, Empower Us to Protect and Lead.
Instill in us the love that protects (1 Corinthians 13:7), a love that shields our wives, our children, and our neighbors from harm. Like Nehemiah, give us the vision to lead with prayer, the preparedness to stand guard, and the perseverance to finish the work You’ve set before us (Nehemiah 4:14, 6:15). May we say with conviction, “I will protect you,” and mean it with every fiber of our being. Let us be men who reject carelessness and embrace our responsibility to provide and defend.

Lord, Raise Up Mighty Men of Valor.
Call us, as You called Gideon, to be mighty men of valor (Judges 6:12), not by our own might, but by Your Spirit. When we feel inadequate, remind us that You are our strength and shield (Psalm 28:7). Raise us up to lead our families, serve Your church, and stand against injustice, reflecting the courage of Christ, who drove out the moneychangers (John 2:15) and returns as a warrior King (Revelation 19:11-16). Make us men of action, men of faith, men who do what we say we will do.

Father, Bless These Men.
Bless every man here with a renewed sense of purpose. Protect our homes from the enemy’s attacks, especially our youth, whom he seeks to devour. Give us wisdom to guide them, strength to shield them, and love to lead them to You. Train our hands for war and our fingers for battle (Psalm 144:1), that we may fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). May our lives reflect Your glory, drawing others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

We pray all these things in the powerful, matchless name of Jesus, our Savior, our Strength, and our King. Amen.

Key Elements of the Prayer:

1. Scriptural Foundation: Incorporates key verses from the paper (1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 119:89-133, Galatians 5:16-26, etc.) to ground the prayer in God’s Word.
2. Themes from the Paper: Reflects the paper’s focus on preparedness, willingness, perseverance, the authority of God’s Word, Spirit-led living, protection, and biblical manhood.
3. Encouragement and Impact: Uplifts the men by affirming their calling, acknowledging their challenges, and invoking God’s strength and guidance.
4. Heartfelt Tone: Balances boldness with humility, calling on God’s power while expressing dependence on Him.
5. Practical Application: Connects prayer to real-life responsibilities (leading families, protecting youth, standing firm in faith).

It is my hope that this message, this call, resonates deeply with every man who reads it, encouraging you to embrace your roles with faith and courage. God Bless You