Why Christians Must Stay Alert and Faithful in a World of Confusing Messages
Being a follower of Jesus means standing up for what’s true—even when it’s not easy or popular. There’s a powerful message in the Bible where the Apostle Paul tells Timothy, a young church leader, to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). In other words, Paul is saying, “Be prepared to share God’s truth all the time, whether it’s convenient or not.” This advice isn’t just for pastors or teachers, but for anyone who wants to live out their faith in the real world.
What Does “Be Ready” Mean?
Paul’s words are more than just a gentle suggestion. He’s urging Timothy—and us—to stand firm, keep alert, and always be prepared to share the hope of Jesus. Life doesn’t always make it easy. Sometimes people are open to hearing about faith, but other times, they might be indifferent or even hostile. No matter the situation, Paul says we can’t afford to take a break or let our guard down when it comes to sharing the message of Christ.
Why Is This So Important?
The world is full of ideas—some good, some not so good. It’s easy for false teachings to sneak into our minds, our churches, or even our hearts. Back in Timothy’s day, there were teachers trying to mix Christianity with other beliefs or add unnecessary rules. Today, one of the trickiest false teachings is the idea that faith and loyalty to our country should go hand in hand. This is called nationalism, and while loving your country isn’t wrong, turning it into an idol—something you put above God—is a big problem.
The Dangers of Nationalism as a “False Gospel”
Nationalism tries to convince us that our nation or political group is what saves us, not God. It can show up in news reports, social media, and even in church, dressed up in religious language. But at its heart, it’s a distraction from the true gospel of Jesus, who calls us to be citizens of God’s kingdom first and foremost.
When we mix faith with politics too closely, we risk losing sight of what Jesus really taught. It’s like trying to blend two different recipes—you end up with something that doesn’t taste right and doesn’t nourish anyone. As C.S. Lewis once warned, political groups are always ready to pretend they’re speaking for God, but we have to be wise enough to know the difference.
How Should the Church Respond?
The church isn’t meant to just go along with whatever’s popular or politically correct. Instead, leaders and members alike are called to speak up, even when it’s hard, and remind everyone that Jesus—not any politician or nation—is our true hope. This means:
· Preaching the truth: Talking honestly about how mixing politics and faith can lead us away from Jesus’ teachings.
· Teaching and learning: Offering classes and resources that help people spot false messages and understand what God’s kingdom is really about.
· Writing and sharing: Creating articles, books, and videos that challenge wrong ideas and help spread the real gospel.
· Discipleship: Mentoring and meeting with people one-on-one or in small groups to talk about these issues openly and biblically.
Sticking to the Basics: What We Believe Matters
One of the best ways to guard against false teaching is to regularly go back to the basics of what Christians believe. This means teaching and learning about the core truths of the gospel—who Jesus is, what He’s done, and how we’re called to live. If we’re rooted in these truths, we’re less likely to be fooled by voices that sound spiritual but actually distract us from what matters most.
God’s Kingdom Is Bigger and Better
At the end of the day, the gospel of Jesus isn’t about loyalty to a flag or political party. It’s about belonging to God’s kingdom—a community of people from every nation, tribe, and language, united by faith in Christ. This kingdom is about hope, love, and justice that reaches far beyond any earthly power.
Conclusion: Stand Firm, Stay Ready
Paul’s call to “be ready in season and out of season” is a challenge for all of us. It means staying true to Jesus, no matter what’s going on around us. It means being brave enough to speak out against false gospels like nationalism and always pointing to the better hope we have in Christ.
Let’s be people who are always alert, always faithful, and always ready to share the true gospel—the only message that brings real hope and lasting change.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 