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But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.
-I Peter 3:15
For most of my life, autumn kicked off with the sales of Scout popcorn. We still have that season with the boys. It’s not just a time for the boys to learn how to be entrepreneurial, to learn sales and goal setting, but also to learn how to approach and speak to adults, be respectful, keep commitments, and be trustworthy with the money and goods of others. But perhaps one of the most important skills they must hone is crafting a good sales pitch. Scouts have to learn to describe the products, and... the cause. They have to find a way to share their passion about Scouting. With so many alternative options for much better prices or less hassle, they have to convince folks of the worthiness of their organization and movement. And so do we.
Peter is telling us that we have to be prepared with our own sales pitch, in a way, a far more personal and profound one. He says we need to be ready, prepared like Scouts, to give a defense for the hope we have. Like a Scout explaining the value of Scouting for all the Scouts and the families and communities it serves, we must be prepared to explain how the Church, our faith, and our Lord and Savior give us hope, our families, and the people we serve. We learn skills and receive nurture. We receive love. And we learn how to share that love with all in need. But Scouting doesn’t provide a generic sales pitch. They encourage Scouts to personalize their ask. And here, Peter encourages us to do that too.
As believers, we are called to be a witness. A good lawyer helps a witness prepare, but ultimately, they must speak to what they’ve seen and heard and experienced. Each of us must reflect on our lives, the love and discipleship we’ve received, and the hope we have. It’s vital we be ready to share that with those who ask. It’s far more important than a sales pitch. We have the hope of eternal life to offer. Today, when you finish reading this, find a friend in the faith, text or call them. Tell them you want to share your hope, your faith story. Tell them you want to boil it down to a short story you can tell a stranger when asked or a fellow believer in times of struggle. Practice. Offer to be a listener for them to do the same. Perhaps they’ve practiced their own. And be prepared to share it.
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