Ready, or not: Preppin’ and primpin’

As we get older our conversations change from toys, boys and fashion to aches, pains and homeopathic remedies. As today’s post was formulating in my thoughts, a memory surfaced that brought a smile to my face and a chuckle in my belly. It was one of the many times Mommie and I had gone grocery shopping. She was moving slow and insisted on having a buggy so she could lean on it as we walked the store’s aisles. She was leisurely meandering up and down when suddenly she stood straight up and began walking as though she were several decades younger. What in the world has gotten into her, I thought. Then, I saw the culprit. He was a tall distinguished looking man a few feet ahead in the cereal aisle. I couldn’t do anything but shake my head and laugh. From that day on, I’d tease her about the motivation of a man in sight. We both had to admit there’s just something about a good looking man that makes aches disappear and put a sashay in the hips.

Not too long ago, I was laughing at myself all because of the motivation of a tall distinguished looking man. Just thinking about being in his presence had me all kinds of giddy. I was even in the shoe store trying on model-height heels—twirling and mixing and matching my wardrobe in my head. I had a list of things to get done: my hair, my hands, my feet, my face. I was on a mission to present the best me because I was going to be in the presence of a distinguished gentleman. I was looking forward to our time together and I wanted to do my best to ensure he had someone beautiful and glowing to admire across the table. To say I was motivated is an understatement. I was taking primpin’ to “a whole ‘nother level”.

As I reflected on the changes I’d made to be pleasing in the sight of a man, I found myself wondering if I do as much when it comes to my relationship with Christ. Does my wardrobe honor Him? Does my care for my body reflect properly on the gift of life He has given me? Do I spend enough time checking my reflection in His word? Does it matter what He sees when He looks at me, or do I take it all for granted since my encounter with Him is not physical in nature? Needless to say, I was being checked in my spirit and the Spirit was prevailing.

Scripturally, I admire the preparation detailed in Esther 2:12-13: “Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king,….” It was serious business to enter into the presence of the king. How much more should you and I invest when we present ourselves to The King of Kings? Ready, or not, Christ is returning. Ready, or not, we’ll meet our King face-to-face and give an account of how we fulfilled our purpose in the earth. Ready, or not, we’ve got a date with Royalty. We may not have the next twelve months to prepare, so we’d best get to preppin’ and primpin’ right now!

According to the Online Dictionary, primping is the act of spending time making minor adjustments. Too often we think to be prepared to enter the presence of The Almighty we must be perfect creatures. We will neglect prayer, worship and study of God’s word because we deem ourselves “not ready.” Our readiness is not in our outward appearance, or in what we do or don’t do. It is in the condition of our heart. As recorded in 1 Sam 16:7, “…the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This does not mean we neglect the physical, it just means our emphasis is not to be on the physical. Nor does it mean me neglect doing good deeds; instead, we are to recognize our good deeds do not pay our way to Heaven or get us brownie points with God. As we spend time in prayer (a two-way communication), we’ll be in a position to hear from the Creator what minor adjustments need to be made in order for our “appearance” to be pleasing in His sight. Our time of study will increase our knowledge and understanding of the relationship God has with all His creation. We will learn to discern the seasons of life and how to apply that knowledge to our everyday lives. In worship, we are given the opportunity to share with God our gratitude for His love, provision and protection. In fellowship with other Christians, we aid each other through testimony and encouragement. It is all part of the preparation process.

Truth be told, our emphasis shouldn’t be on the physical when it comes to human relationships, either. The nature of time is that it has a wearing effect on the physical. In time, the things that attracted our natural eyes will change, fade and even disappear. There is nothing wrong with seeking to look our best for one another. What we must do is ensure there is balance. It is possible to have relationships with humans without neglecting our relationship with God—and vice versa. When we prepare to meet The King, and do so on a daily basis, we’ll be better prepared to meet our earthly kings and queens. Preparation of the heart is the first step to entering into any relationship. Are you ready? –WordsInPrint by Suni